Brian Ssenyondo could finally breathe again.
After a frustrating opening to the Uganda Premier League season, KCCA finally found their breakthrough on Tuesday evening, edging newly promoted Kataka 1-0 at MTN-Omondi Stadium to register their first victory of the campaign.
Emmanuel Anyama supplied the decisive moment, heading home in the 57th minute to settle a tightly contested encounter and give Ssenyondo a much-needed lift after a run of disappointing results.
The KCCA head coach, who has faced mounting pressure following his side’s sluggish start, made six changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Mbarara City last week in a bid to alter the team’s fortunes.
Hassan Muhamud replaced Maxwell Owachigui in goal, while James Mubezi came into the defence ahead of captain Herbert Achayi.
Elvis Ngonde started in place of Saidi Mayanja, with Anyama replacing Charles Lwanga.
Ibrahim Kasule, returning from compassionate leave, made his first start of the season in place of Ashiraf Mugume, while Lazaro Muhindo reclaimed the right-back position from Ismael Fahad.
Despite the reshuffle, neither side managed to establish sustained dominance in a cagey first half.
Kataka, however, had the clearer opportunities and will feel they missed a chance to leave Kampala with something to show for their efforts.
Ali Ssentamu was presented with two promising openings but failed to hit the target on either occasion, including one opportunity created by a back pass from Etienne Katenga.
KCCA also threatened, with Sammy Ssebaduka coming close before another effort from the hosts glanced off the crossbar.
The game opened up after the interval as KCCA raised the tempo and began to exercise greater influence in midfield, while Kataka appeared to lose some of their early energy.
That pressure finally told in the 57th minute.
Ssebaduka delivered a low cross from the right, and Anyama attacked the near post with purpose, making a telling connection to send the ball home and break KCCA’s goal drought.
The goal changed the complexion of the contest, with KCCA becoming more determined to protect their slender advantage.
Ssenyondo’s charges ultimately held firm to secure maximum points and, more importantly, their first win and first goal of the season.
The victory offers KCCA a timely reset before the league takes an extended international-break hiatus of almost three weeks.
When action resumes in October, KCCA will travel to face URA, while Kataka will welcome SC Villa.
