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Kokolo’s last-gasp header denies BUL victory as UPPC snatch point

Published

1 week ago

November 1, 2026

Uganda Premier League| MD 9 | Saturday October 31st
BUL FC 1-1 Entebbe UPPC FC

Reich Triomphe Kokolo left it late but delivered when Entebbe UPPC needed him most, rising to head home a dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser and deny BUL FC victory in a 1-1 Uganda Premier League draw at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Saturday.

BUL were just seconds away from collecting all three points after Alex Kitata had given them the lead, but Kokolo had other ideas. The UPPC forward connected with a delivery from Mitrail Ndza Sam Ruthefield deep into stoppage time to snatch a point for the visitors and leave the hosts frustrated.

It was Kokolo’s second goal of the season and a fitting reward for his persistence. His contribution also earned him the Man of the Match award, although his celebrations came at a price as he received a yellow card for taking off his shirt.

The visitors had shown early signs of danger, with Ibrahim Mugulusi coming close to opening the scoring in the seventh minute. However, BUL goalkeeper Wokorach was equal to the task, producing an excellent save to keep the hosts level.

The match had barely settled when an early collision between BUL’s Okello and UPPC’s Kokolo in the opening minute forced the referee to call for medical attention for both players.

The opening exchanges remained evenly contested, with neither side finding a breakthrough during the first 20 minutes. The tension spilt over in the 22nd minute when UPPC coach Abdullah Mubiru was cautioned after protesting a throw-in decision awarded to BUL and confronting the assistant referee.

UPPC suffered an early setback in the 31st minute when Mugulusi made way for Steven Munguchi, while BUL responded five minutes later by introducing Martin Aprem for Reagan Kalyowa.

Jonathan Odong became the next UPPC player to receive a yellow card in the 38th minute as the game grew increasingly competitive.

BUL eventually found the breakthrough three minutes later. Simon Achidi delivered a cross into the danger area, and Kitata was in the right place to tap home in the 42nd minute.

The celebrations were briefly interrupted when Kitata collided with the goalpost and went down, requiring treatment before play could continue.

Aprem picked up a yellow card in the 45th minute as BUL went into the break with a 1-0 advantage after three minutes of added time.

UPPC returned from the interval with renewed purpose and almost found an immediate response. Just a minute into the second half, Wokorach produced another fine save to deny the visitors what looked like a certain equaliser.

BUL made their second change in the 50th minute, bringing on Laurence Olaboro for Derrick Byabachwezi, as they sought to maintain their advantage.

George Kasonko was booked in the 57th minute before the hosts made a triple substitution in the 69th minute, introducing Swabir Mpasa, Sowedi Lwenda and Benon Niyonzima for Kasonko, Kitata and Richard Okello.

Niyonzima was cautioned a minute after coming on, while UPPC introduced Ibrahim Oriti for Sharif Sengendo in the 71st minute.

As the minutes slipped away, BUL appeared to have done enough to protect their lead. They remained in front at the 80th and 85th-minute marks, leaving UPPC with little time to find a way back.

Four minutes were added at the end of regulation time, and UPPC made one final change in the 92nd minute, sending on Mitrail Ndza Sam Ruthefield for Thomas Ochungo.

It was a substitution that would make all the difference.

Barely a minute after coming on, Ruthefield provided the delivery that Kokolo met with a powerful header in the 93rd minute, sending the ball into the net and rescuing a point for the visitors.

Kokolo’s celebrations were understandably emotional, but removing his shirt earned him a booking. By then, however, the damage to BUL’s hopes of victory had been done.

The draw leaves BUL third on the league table with 20 points, while Entebbe UPPC occupy fourth position on 16 points, four behind their opponents.

BUL will have little time to dwell on the dropped points as they prepare to host SC Villa on November 3. Entebbe UPPC, meanwhile, will travel to the Kira Road Police Arena to face Ntugasaze on November 5.

Elsewhere, Kitara FC also picked up maximum points after edging UPDF FC 1-0 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. Benjamin Nyakoojo scored the only goal of the match in the 13th minute, finishing off a pass from Jeromy Kirya.

KCCA FC enjoyed a 3-1 away victory over Mbarara City FC in Kamwenge. Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Charles Lwanga and Sammy Ssebaduka found the net for the visitors, while Ronald Odwok scored Mbarara City’s consolation.

In Bukedea, Fahad Aziz Bayo scored the decisive goal as NEC FC overcame a stubborn Blacks Power side 1-0 to collect all three points.

The day’s programme was scheduled to conclude with URA FC hosting Vipers SC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, in an 8 pm kick-off.

The post Kokolo’s last-gasp header denies BUL victory as UPPC snatch point appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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Kenya’s Baseball5 aims for Dakar glory despite challenges

Published

1 week ago

October 31, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

Kenya’s Baseball5 team is heading to the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games focused on winning gold, but a shortage of suitable training facilities has left head coach Joel Wangicho worried about the squad’s match fitness ahead of the continental showpiece.

Led by captain Shantel Luciana, the team departs for Senegal on Thursday, October 29, ahead of the competition scheduled to run from October 31 to November 3.

Since returning from Botswana about two weeks ago, the team has struggled to secure suitable training facilities, disrupting preparations for its first appearance at the Youth Olympic Games.

“The team, I would say, is ready,” coach Wangicho said.

“We started well in terms of preparation, but we had a hitch because from the time we left Botswana, that’s almost like one and a half weeks ago, the team has been struggling to get training time. We’ve been hosted where there’s no field of play. That has given us… I’d say I’m worried as a coach because the kind of fitness I wanted to build on from the Botswana game hasn’t been achieved. But all the same, we are ready for Dakar.”

Despite the setbacks, captain Luciana says teamwork and the responsibility of representing Kenya will be key as the squad chases gold at the global stage.

“We have teamwork, we should cooperate, and my team, they have teamwork. For us, it’s a motivation. As Kenyans, we’re representing Kenya, and they have hope in us, so it’s a bit of motivation. We have to win so they’ll also be happy because they’re motivating us. It’s our first time, so we hope to win and bring Kenya something good.”

Beyond Dakar, the team’s campaign could boost the growth of Baseball5 in Kenya, with plans to introduce the sport in schools from next year, subject to the necessary arrangements.

The post Kenya’s Baseball5 aims for Dakar glory despite challenges appeared first on Sports Network Africa.

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Free-Scoring BUL face ultimate ‘Litmus Test’ against resilient Entebbe UPPC defense

Published

1 week ago

October 31, 2026

Bryce Mullins

League leaders BUL face a stern test to their unbeaten record this Saturday when they host defensive powerhouses Entebbe UPPC at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Alex Isabirye’s men currently sit comfortably at the summit of the 18-team standings with 19 points. Boasting a four-point cushion over their upcoming opponents—who have played an extra game—the hosts have a golden opportunity to break away from the chasing pack.

However, securing maximum points will require unlocking the most stubborn backline in the division. Entebbe UPPC arrives in Njeru having conceded just twice in their opening eight matches.

Narrative and Familiar Faces

The tactical battle features an intriguing subplot of shifting loyalties. BUL’s dangerous attacking trident of Simon Achidi, Swabir Mpasa, and Richard Okello will square off directly against former teammates Tah Barni and Thomas Ochungu. The defensive duo has enjoyed a stellar start to life at the Entebbe-based club alongside right-back Jonathan Odong, anchoring the league’s most ruthless defense.

Despite the high stakes, BUL tactician Alex Isabirye remains calm and confident in his team’s preparation.

“We are not under pressure because we are top of the table,” Isabirye stated ahead of the clash. “We are ready for the game, though we know it will be a tough match against a good side like Entebbe UPPC. I respect their coaches and the work they have done. They are well-organized and hard to break down, but we have prepared well and we are going for maximum points at home.”

Team News and Historical Edge

Both squads enter the fixture missing key personnel. BUL FC will navigate the tie without Denis Ssewagudde and Edward Masembe, who have both been granted compassionate leave. Meanwhile, Abdallah Mubiru’s visitors will look to cope without the services of Hassan Ssenyonjo.

History heavily favors the visitors. Entebbe UPPC dominated this fixture last season, completing a resounding league double with a 2-0 away win followed by a 4-0 thrashing at home. Overall, the Printers lead the head-to-head meetings with three wins, four draws, and two losses.

Packed Super Saturday Schedule

The BUL-UPPC blockbuster headlines a massive Saturday roster across the country. Elsewhere, SC Villa travels to Najjembe to face Lugazi, while KCCA visits Mbarara City at the Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge.

A spectacular double-header at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo will see UPDF take on Kitara in the late afternoon, followed by a heavyweight night-time clash between URA and reigning champions Vipers SC under the floodlights while NEC visits Blacks Power in Bukedea

Summary of fixtures

Saturday October 31, 2026

Lugazi vs SC Villa – Lugazi stadium, Najjembe 4pm
Mbarara City vs KCCA – Rwamwanja stadium, Kamwenge 4pm
BUL vs Entebbe UPPC – Fufa Technical Centre, Njeru 4pm
Blacks Power vs NEC – Bukedea Sports Complex 4pm
UPDF vs Kitara – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 5pm
URA vs Vipers – Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 8pm

Sunday November 1, 2026

Ntugasaze vs Express – Kira Police Arena, Kamwokya 4pm
Maroons vs Kigezi Home Boyz – Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 4pm

The post Free-Scoring BUL face ultimate ‘Litmus Test’ against resilient Entebbe UPPC defense appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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Crisis Under the Floodlights: Desperate URA and Vipers Headline Nakivubo Double-Header

Published

1 week ago

October 31, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

The floodlights at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, will take center stage this Saturday night as a struggling URA hosts a wounded Vipers SC in what has quickly become a high-stakes, must-win fixture for both sides.

Neither side envisioned this kind of start to the 2026/27 campaign after their business in the off season that saw new arrivals in both playing and coaching staff. URA currently languishes in the relegation zone, managing just seven points from seven outings. Meanwhile, defending champions Vipers find themselves a staggering eight points off the table summit, having already suffered two defeats and two draws in their opening seven matches.

Dugout Shake-Ups and Contrasting Debuts

The poor run of form has forced drastic, early-season changes in both technical benches. Vipers parted company with Frenchman Denis Lavagne, appointing John “Ayala” Luyinda to guide the Venoms back to title contention. URA reacted similarly, axing Jimmy Kintu to pave the way for the high-profile return of Sam Ssimbwa.

The two newly appointed tacticians experienced contrasting fortunes on their respective earlier in the week. Ssimbwa successfully ground out a crucial 1-0 victory over UPDF to spark life into the Tax Collectors, whereas Ayala’s Vipers fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Mbarara City in Kamwenge.

Selection Dilemmas and Familiar Faces

Ayala faces critical selection decisions, particularly in his frontline. Gusto Mulongo is expected to lead the line as the target man, though a late fitness test for the prolific Ceasar Manzoki could force a late tactical shift. Further back, fit-again Nicholas Mwere is pushing for a recall at left-back, while Farouk Miya, Karim Watambala, Joel Sserunjogi, and Marvin Youngman fiercely battle for starting berths in a crowded midfield.

For URA, all eyes will be on midfield maestro Moses Waiswa. Ssimbwa is tipped to hand the playmaker significant minutes against his former employers. Waiswa had two separate stints at Kitende—the latter of which ended under a cloud of frustration—giving him plenty of incentive to prove a point on Saturday night.

Historical Context Favors the Venoms

Despite their current dip in form, Vipers hold a dominant psychological advantage in this fixture. The Venoms have triumphed in seven of their last ten meetings against URA, losing only once and drawing twice. Furthermore, Vipers cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory in the corresponding fixture at Nakivubo last season.

Kitara Return to League Action in Early Kick-Off

Setting the stage for the nightcap, the afternoon clash at Nakivubo features an equally intriguing encounter between UPDF and Kitara FC.

This marks Kitara’s first domestic appearance since their exit from the CAF Confederation Cup at the hands of Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. Now shifting their undivided attention back to the league, the Royals remain unbeaten in their four games so far. Remarkably, Kitara sits level on eight points with UPDF, despite having played three fewer matches than the army side.

Elsewhere on the day, SC Villa travel to Lugazi, table leaders BUL entertain Entebbe UPPC, Blacks Power host third placed NEC while KCCA visit Mbarara City in Kamwenge.

Summary of fixtures

Saturday October 31, 2026