Uganda Martyrs turn tables on Jinja United to seize Women’s Super League lead

• FUFA Women Super League | MD 6
• Uganda Martyrs LWFC 2-1 Jinja United WFC

Auki Angel Kigongo is making a habit of collecting individual honours this season, and her latest recognition came on an evening when Uganda Martyrs Lubaga Women Football Club climbed to the top of the FUFA Women Super League table.

Having won the accolade against Rines SS WFC and She Corporate FC, Kigongo claimed her third Woman of the Match award of the campaign as Uganda Martyrs fought back from a goal down to beat newcomers Jinja United WFC 2-1 at the Phillip Omondi Stadium on Saturday evening.

Although she did not get her name on the scoresheet, Kigongo remained a constant threat, troubling the visitors with her set-piece deliveries and attacking runs. Her performance showed her growing importance to a Uganda Martyrs side that continues to impress this season.

The hosts did not have things their way from the start. Jinja United caught them off guard in the eighth minute when Patricia Babirye found the back of the net with a well-taken finish to put the visitors ahead.

Uganda Martyrs responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Aidah Namuwonge had an opportunity in the 15th minute, but her effort was stopped by a Jinja United defender.

The pressure eventually told in the 22nd minute when Immaculate Nakanjako brought the hosts level. It was a special moment for the midfielder, who celebrated her first goal of the season to make it 1-1.

With the game back on level terms, Uganda Martyrs grew in confidence. Kigongo came close to giving them the lead in the 39th minute, but the Jinja United goalkeeper produced an excellent save to keep out her free-kick.

The hosts continued knocking on the door before half-time. In the third minute of added time, Kigongo delivered a dangerous corner that found captain Gloria Namugerwa, whose effort narrowly missed the target.

Both sides went into the break with everything still to play for at 1-1.

Uganda Martyrs needed only four minutes after the restart to complete their comeback.

Moreen Kizza sent a dangerous cross into the penalty area in the 49th minute, leaving the Jinja United defender Janat Babirye with an awkward situation. The defender turned the ball into her own net, handing the hosts a 2-1 advantage.

Namuwonge nearly extended the lead in the 56th minute, forcing another fine save from the visiting goalkeeper.

At the hour mark, Uganda Martyrs made their first change, bringing on Jesca Nalubwama for Comfort Aculu as they looked to maintain their advantage.

Jinja United were not ready to leave without a fight. They increased the pressure and came close to finding an equaliser, but Uganda Martyrs stood their ground.

In the 64th minute, the visitors’ goalkeeper made another excellent save before Deborah Nanvule, popularly known as Kante, cleared the ball off the goal line to preserve the hosts’ lead.

Goalkeeper Joan Namususi was also called into action as Jinja United tested her twice during a spell of increased pressure. She remained composed, however, to keep her side in front.

Agel Auki Kigongo

Kigongo almost put the game beyond reach in the closing stages. In the 90th minute, Sharon Kizza produced a lovely set-piece delivery to release the forward, but her effort struck the woodwork.

Uganda Martyrs survived the remaining minutes to claim their sixth-match points and, more importantly, move to the top of the standings.

The victory takes them to 13 points from six matches, with a goal difference of +5, the best in the league.

For Jinja United, the wait for their first point in the top flight continues. The newcomers have shown signs of improvement with each passing match, but Saturday’s narrow defeat was another reminder of how demanding life in the top division can be.

Elsewhere on Saturday, St Noa Girls FC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over AMUS College WFC.

After suffering defeat last week, St Noa needed a response, and Monica Buteme provided it with a first-half strike that proved enough to secure all three points.

URA Ladies FC also maintained their positive run, recording back-to-back victories after defeating She Corporate FC 2-0.

Zainah Namuleme and Beatrice Kyokushaba scored for the Tax Collectors, while She Corporate’s difficult spell continued as their winless run stretched to three matches.

Friday’s action had seen Lady Doves FC enjoy a comfortable afternoon in front of their supporters, beating Rines SS WFC 3-0 at the Katusabe Dove Playground in Masindi.

The Believers controlled much of the encounter, with Everline Nandera Kwahero, Wardar Nalutaaya and Docus Kwikiriza finding the net to give the hosts their second victory of the campaign.

Lady Doves

A day earlier, She Maroons FC had handed KCCA Women FC their second defeat of the season. Bridget Nabisaalu’s first goal of the campaign proved decisive in the encounter.

Meanwhile, Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC’s scheduled meeting with Makerere University WFC at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium was postponed because Makerere are away in Egypt, where they are participating in the CAF Women Champions League.

After six rounds, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC lead the standings with 13 points and a +5 goal difference.

St Noa Girls FC occupy second place with 11 points and a +4 goal difference, level on points with third-placed She Maroons FC.

KCCA Women FC have slipped to fourth with nine points, level with URA Ladies FC, who occupy fifth place but trail KCCA by two goals on goal difference.

There is no change at the top of the scoring chart, with Jesca Namanda and Angel Auki Kigongo leading the race for the Golden Boot on four goals apiece.

Agnes Nabukenya and Kamiyati Naigaga are close behind with three goals each.

The league’s Matchday 7 resumes on Saturday, November 14, with three matches scheduled:

• Rines SS WFC vs KCCA Women FC
• She Corporate FC vs Makerere University WFC
• St Noa Girls Zana FC vs URA Ladies FC

Sunday, November 15, will see another three encounters:

• Jinja United WFC vs AMUS College WFC
• She Maroons FC vs Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC
• Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC vs Lady Doves FC

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