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Police FC showed character to beat Kataka FC 2-1 at Bukedea Sports Complex on Friday, surviving a second-half red card before Bedia Ikamba struck late to secure three valuable points in the Uganda Premier League.
The Cops were forced to play the final stages with 10 men after Saidi Kyeyune was sent off in the 63rd minute, but they refused to surrender. Ikamba’s 86th-minute winner settled a closely fought contest and lifted Police to fifth place with 14 points.
For Kataka, the defeat was another frustrating afternoon. The Lufumbi Boys remain 16th with just three points and are still without a win this season.
Police started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute through Bayo Ali. After receiving a short free-kick from Richard Matovu, Ali noticed goalkeeper Ronald Nsubuga off his line and tried his luck from distance. The shot beat Nsubuga’s fingertips and found the net to give the visitors an early advantage.
Kataka responded by introducing Abdurahman Maloba for Ismail Saad in the 22nd minute as they searched for a way back into the game.
A water break followed in the 25th minute, while Police briefly played with 10 men five minutes later when Muzanyi Hakiram went off for treatment. He returned after about a minute but could not continue for long, forcing Police to bring on Ikamba in the 34th minute.
Kyeyune was booked three minutes later as Police worked to protect their lead.
Kataka came close to equalising before the break. In the 43rd minute, Kyeyune’s corner was cleared by the goalkeeper, allowing the hosts to launch a quick counterattack. Samuel Watuwa collected the ball, shrugged off Stephen Namaisi and forced Police goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga into a fine save.
The hosts had another opportunity in first-half stoppage time after winning a promising free-kick, but Ali Sentamu fired wide. With referee Tumuhaise John Baptist having added two minutes, Police went into the break leading 1-0.
Police made a change at half-time, bringing on Ivan Mayanja for Rogers Kiwanuka.
Kataka, however, needed only a few minutes to get back into the contest. In the 47th minute, Daniel Jakony brought down Watuwa in the penalty area, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Sentamu took responsibility but saw his penalty saved by Muwanga. The forward reacted quickly to the rebound, though, and put the ball into the net in the 49th minute to make it 1-1.
Police nearly responded immediately. In the 53rd minute, Kyeyune delivered a well-taken corner that found Jakony, who set up Ikamba. The Congolese forward’s bouncing header, however, drifted wide from close range.
Police introduced Ashiraf Mulindi for Denis Ojara in the 61st minute, but two minutes later their task became more difficult.
Kyeyune, already on a yellow card, was booked for a foul on Ivan Bwanika and sent off. Police were down to 10 men with more than 25 minutes remaining, allowing Kataka to take control of the match.
Tumwine Abduwahab was booked for Kataka in the 66th minute before a cooling break two minutes later.
Kataka’s coach responded with a double substitution in the 71st minute, bringing on George Isiagi and Charles Ssebutinde for Richard Lempani and Samuel Nangosya.
Police also made changes, introducing Siraje Ssentamu and Ramsey Jemba for Charles Bbaale and Bayo Ali in the 75th minute.
Kataka came agonisingly close to taking the lead in the 79th minute. Bwanika delivered a cross for Sentamu, whose superb header beat the goalkeeper but went narrowly wide.
That missed chance proved costly. Despite being a man down, Police found the breakthrough four minutes from time. Bbaale, who had come on as a substitute, set up Ikamba, who finished from close range with a stunning effort to put the visitors back in front at 2-1.
Kataka had little time to find another equaliser as Police dug in during the closing minutes.
Four minutes were added, and Emmanuel Kaka received a yellow card for Kataka in the 91st minute. Watuwa was then replaced by Jamada Mulimira in the 92nd minute as the hosts made a final change.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-earned victory for Police, who showed resilience to take all three points despite Kyeyune’s dismissal.
Matovu was named Man of the Match for his performance, which included his involvement in the opening goal.
Police now turn their attention to a home fixture against Kitara at the Police Arena on November 3. Kataka, meanwhile, will seek their first victory when they host URA FC the following day.
The Uganda Premier League Matchday 9 continues on Saturday, October 31.
Saturday, 31st October 2026
Sunday, 1st November 2026
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