Rickman scores on SUPL debut as Express sink KCCA in Kampala derby

Express FC claimed their first victory of the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season in memorable fashion, defeating Kampala rivals KCCA FC 2-0 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, in a result that delivered three valuable points to the home side and provided the evening with an even more remarkable storyline through Derrick Ddungu’s goalscoring return to top-flight football.

The eagerly anticipated Kampala derby began with both sides showing enough attacking ambition to keep the contest lively, although neither could find the breakthrough during an evenly balanced opening half. Express were keen to make their home advantage count, while KCCA looked dangerous whenever they managed to create space in the final third. The visitors came closest to taking the lead in the 34th minute when Saidi Mayanja’s effort struck the crossbar, leaving Express relieved and underlining the threat KCCA posed.

Express goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya also played an important role in keeping the home side on level terms. Kigonya produced a timely save to deny Charles Lwanga, preventing KCCA from turning their promising moments into the opening goal. Those interventions ensured Express went into the interval with the scores level, despite a first half in which KCCA had created opportunities capable of changing the direction of the derby.

The Red Eagles returned from the break with greater attacking purpose and needed only six minutes to finally break the deadlock. Isaac Wagoina finished beyond KCCA goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa to give Express the lead, sparking celebrations among the home supporters and immediately changing the complexion of the contest. The goal gave the hosts something to protect while forcing KCCA to become more adventurous in their search for an equaliser.

Express subsequently grew in confidence and looked capable of adding to their advantage whenever they transitioned quickly into attack. Henry Wamala came particularly close to doubling the lead when his effort struck the woodwork, denying the home side the comfort of a second goal. KCCA continued to push forward, but their increasing commitment to attack also created spaces for Express to exploit as the game entered its closing stages.

The decisive moment came in stoppage time, and it was one that carried significance far beyond the final scoreline. Derrick Ddungu, popularly known as Rickman, capitalised on a defensive lapse to score Express’s second goal and seal the 2-0 victory. The finish marked a dream return to competitive football for the musician, who had stepped away from the sport to pursue his music career before embarking on his football comeback.

Ddungu’s appearance was already a notable subplot to the derby, but his late goal transformed it into a memorable personal milestone. Introduced as a second-half substitute, the multi-talented star wasted little time making his presence felt, finding the back of the net on his StarTimes Uganda Premier League debut. His celebration carried the significance of a player beginning a new chapter in a sport he had once left behind, while simultaneously maintaining the music career that has made him a familiar name beyond football.

For Express, Ddungu’s goal was the perfect finishing touch to a performance that demanded patience, resilience and efficiency. The Red Eagles had survived KCCA’s strongest moments before the interval, responded quickly after the restart and continued to threaten after taking the lead. Their ability to punish a late defensive mistake ensured they secured not only bragging rights but also a much-needed victory in front of their home supporters.

The result could prove important for Express as they look to establish momentum early in the campaign. After failing to win their opening fixture, the Red Eagles now have three points on the board and the confidence that comes with defeating one of their biggest city rivals. More importantly, the performance demonstrated that they can remain composed under pressure and take advantage of decisive moments when they arise.

For KCCA, however, the derby defeat leaves them facing a difficult start to the new campaign. Having already lost their opening match, the 2-0 setback means they remain without a point after two games. Their first-half opportunities showed that there is attacking quality within the side, but the failure to convert those chances and the defensive lapse that allowed Ddungu to score highlighted the fine margins that are currently working against them.

Express consequently move up to sixth place on three points, while KCCA remain without a point after their opening two matches. Yet beyond the league table, this derby will be remembered for the contrasting fortunes of the two sides, and particularly for Ddungu, whose journey from football to music and back again received a fitting opening chapter when Rickman found the net on his Premier League debut.