In a pulsating encounter at Kampala on 9th April 2025, Wakiso Giants FC and Maroons FC played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw in a league home match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The match kicked off at 4:00 pm and saw both teams display attacking flair and resilience, resulting in a dramatic contest that showcased the best of Ugandan football.
Wakiso Giants lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for dynamic attacking play. Alitho James took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Arinda Ambrose on the right, Shaibu Mtita and Ssemakula Abdul as central defenders, and Sseguja Musa on the left. In midfield, Ssenfuka Rahmat and Omary Bibo operated as the double pivot, tasked with breaking up opposition play and facilitating transitions. Ahead of them, Oyamo Timothy and Mukiibi Marvin flanked the central attacking midfielder, Olaya Moses, who was expected to pull the strings in the final third. Up front, Mbalire Hudson led the line as the lone striker, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from Maroons.
The substitutes for Wakiso Giants included Luwaga Kizito, Oshaba Marvin, and Mulamba Blanchar, who would later play crucial roles in the match.
The scoring opened in the 23rd minute when Ssemakula Abdul rose highest to meet a precise cross from Olaya Moses, directing a powerful header past the Maroons goalkeeper from close range. The home side's lead, however, was short-lived as Maroons equalised in the 37th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to slot home from inside the box with a right-footed finish.
Just before half-time, Maroons took the lead with a stunning direct free-kick in the 43rd minute, leaving Alitho James with no chance as the ball curled into the net from long range. The first half concluded with Maroons leading 2-1, leaving Wakiso Giants with much to ponder during the break.
The second half commenced with renewed intensity, and in the 53rd minute, Olaya Moses made a key pass that created a chance for his teammates, showcasing his playmaking abilities. However, it was Maroons who struck again in the 54th minute, scoring from a goalmouth scramble to extend their lead to 3-1.
In a tactical move, Wakiso Giants made their first substitution in the 55th minute, bringing on Luwaga Kizito for Sseguja Musa. This change aimed to inject fresh energy into the side as they sought to claw back into the match. The second substitution followed in the 66th minute, with Oshaba Marvin replacing Shaibu Mtita, further altering the dynamics of the game.
Wakiso Giants finally found their footing in the 71st minute when Oshaba Marvin converted a penalty with a composed right-footed finish, narrowing the deficit to 3-2. The momentum shifted dramatically, and just four minutes later, Mbalire Hudson equalised for the Giants, heading home from a well-delivered cross by Oshaba Marvin, making it 3-3.
As the match approached its conclusion, tensions rose, and in the 86th minute, Omary Bibo received a yellow card for a bad tackle, a moment that underscored the physicality of the encounter. Shortly after, Wakiso made their final substitution, introducing Mulamba Blanchar for Olaya Moses, who had been instrumental throughout the match.
In the dying moments of the game, Luwaga Kizito made a crucial long pass in the 93rd minute, creating a chance that could have turned the tide once more, but the opportunity went begging as the match ended in a thrilling draw.
Both teams displayed commendable spirit and skill, with Olaya Moses earning the accolade of Player of the Match for his influential performance. The result leaves both sides with plenty to reflect on as they continue their campaigns in the league.
