By Barbara Nalweyiso
On Sunday, March 16, Ntugasaze FC, a Mityana-based football side, delivered a resounding statement of intent, overpowering Calvary Midigo FC with a 3-1 triumph in front of an elated home crowd.
From the opening whistle, the match unfolded as an intense tactical battle, with both teams displaying remarkable discipline and a hunger for dominance.
Ntugasaze FC, brimming with energy, sought to impose their authority early, yet Calvary Midigo proved resilient, matching their opponents stride for stride in a closely contested first 20 minutes.
Both sides cautiously probed each other’s defensive lines, methodically building their attacking plays while remaining wary of exposing vulnerabilities at the back.
However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 31st minute when James Tekakwo, rising to the occasion, clinically slotted home the opening goal.
His precision finish not only put Ntugasaze FC ahead but also injected a fresh surge of confidence into his teammates.
With momentum on their side, the hosts controlled the tempo of the game, ensuring they entered the halftime break with a well-earned 1-0 advantage, as referee Ismael Mugisha signaled the end of the first half.
Barely nine minutes into the second half, the match took another dramatic turn when Calvary FC’s Stephen Oriokot received a yellow card, conceding a crucial penalty in the process.
With composure befitting a seasoned striker, Lawrence Kambungu stepped up and expertly dispatched the spot-kick in the 49th minute, extending Ntugasaze’s lead to 2-0 while simultaneously reaching a personal milestone of 10 goals for the season.
As the game intensified, Tekakwo, who has seamlessly assumed the number 9 role previously held by the departed Patrick Nsamba, further solidified his growing reputation.
Capitalizing on a well-orchestrated attacking move, he struck again in the 55th minute, securing his second goal of the match and propelling Ntugasaze to a commanding 3-0 lead.
His remarkable performance underscored his tactical intelligence, impeccable positioning, and unwavering composure in front of goal—a testament to his rapid development over recent fixtures.
Yet, despite the mounting pressure, Calvary Midigo FC refused to capitulate entirely.
Their persistence bore fruit in the 75th minute when they were awarded a penalty, which Lawrence Olaboro confidently converted.
In doing so, Olaboro equaled Kambungu’s tally of 10 goals, making the duo joint top scorers in the FUFA Big League.
However, the visitors’ late resurgence proved insufficient to overturn Ntugasaze’s dominance, as the final whistle confirmed a well-deserved 3-1 victory for the home side.
This crucial win not only lifted Ntugasaze FC from the relegation zone—elevating them from 12th to 11th place—but also reinforced their growing reputation as a team on the rise.
Meanwhile, Calvary Midigo FC, despite their best efforts, now find themselves in 5th place, forced to reassess their campaign trajectory.
A key figure in Ntugasaze FC’s resurgence has been goalkeeper Kenneth Lukyamuzi, whose arrival during the transfer window has significantly fortified the team’s defensive stability.
His commanding presence between the posts, coupled with his ability to orchestrate the defensive line, has minimized unnecessary concessions, further cementing his status as an invaluable asset to the squad.
Although the club continues to navigate administrative hurdles, the players’ unwavering commitment and solidarity remain evident.
Rather than allowing off-field challenges to derail their ambitions, they have chosen to rally together, determined to steer their club towards greater success.
With this morale-boosting victory behind them, Ntugasaze FC now turns its focus to an upcoming clash against Onduparaka FC in Arua.
The last time the two sides met in Mityana, the contest ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
However, with Onduparaka struggling after suffering four consecutive defeats, while Ntugasaze has registered one win, two losses, and a draw in their last four outings, the stage is set for yet another gripping encounter.
Will Tekakwo continue his dazzling form and inspire Ntugasaze to another statement victory, or will Onduparaka find a way to reclaim their footing? The answer awaits in Arua.
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