Stanbic Black Pirates claimed a narrow but important victory over Heathens in the first leg of the Rugby League Championship semi-finals, played at Kyadondo Rugby Ground, leaving the hosts needing to overturn a 12-point deficit in the return fixture.
The Pirates opened the scoring through Eric Mulamula before William Nkore added a penalty to extend their early advantage. Heathens struggled to break through a well-organised Pirates defence in the opening half, with Timothy Kisiga producing a key intervention to deny a potential try.
After the break, Heathens responded through Mathew Musasizi, who converted a penalty to reduce the deficit to 8–3 and shift momentum briefly in favour of the hosts.
The Pirates, however, regained control after introducing Haruna Muhammad in place of William Nkore. The change coincided with improved attacking structure, leading to a well-worked try that was converted by Kisiga, who had shifted to fly-half duties, extending the lead to 15–3.
Heathens coach Mervin reacted with further changes, bringing on Samuel Lubwama for Muhumuza in an attempt to stabilise the defence.
Despite the adjustments, Heathens were unable to close the gap further as the Pirates managed game management in the closing stages to preserve their advantage.
Pirates captain Isaac Massanganzira said the result reflected the intensity expected between the two sides ahead of the return leg at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere.
The second leg is scheduled for next Saturday and will be preceded by a memorial walk in honour of late Pirates player Sydney Gongodyo. The walk will start at TMT Shopping Mall, where he was killed, and end at Kings Park Arena.
