Teenager Allan Okello’s beautifully struck freekick from 25 yards with four minutes to play was all Champions KCCA FC needed to sink arch rivals SC Villa in a thrilling encounter at StarTimes stadium.
The 17-year-old midfielder came on at the start of the second stanza in place of Jackson Nunda who was making his first start since 27th September 2017 the day he had last played for KCCA FC in a league game against URA FC.
Okello had earlier on rattled the crossbar with a fine curler from down the right flank on 76 minutes but the visitors’ custodian pushed the rebound out for corner.
In the first stanza, custodian Charles Lukwago made two reflex saves to keep out Kirya Ambrose and Eturude Abel’s efforts in a space of four minutes.
Mucureezi came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute but his effort was kept out by Kirya Samson.
With four minutes to play in the first half, Sadam Juma rattled the upright with a smashing shot that clearly Samson Kirya had no chance stopping.
In the second stanza, Allan Okello was introduced for returnee Jackson Nunda and the cameo immediately showed his presence with rapid attacks that troubled the visitors, backline.
In the 69th minute, striker Matsiko Abubakari was handed debut by Mike Mutebi in place of Paul Mucureezi and the teenager had some glimpses of brilliance In a game of such magnitude.
Four minutes to the end of the game, Allan Okello was fouled yards from the 18 yard box and the teenager took matters into his hands to take the freekick that he coolly slotted past the visitors’ wall into the back of the net, giving custodian Kirya no chance keeping it out and sending the fans in a frenzy with a boom of noise that echoed all over StartTimes stadium.
Lawrence Bukenya was then introduced for Sadam Juma to add grit in the midfield.
1-0 is how it ended, Allan Okello’s solo goal and first in the league this season the difference in the tie.
