Wonderkid Allan Okello netted a fine brace on Monday as KCCA FC beat 10-man UPBF 2-0 in a Uganda Premier League encounter at their Philip Omondi Stadium on Monday as they closed the gap on SC Villa.
18-year old Okello, who was the man of the match when Uganda's Under-20 side humbled South Sudan 5-1 a week ago in an U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, scored two goals in the last nine minutes of the match.
The win takes the defending champions up to 43 points, three behind leaders SC Villa who have played a game more. Mike Mutebi's side also have a superior goal difference.
"I am happy to score two goals today," Okello told KweséESPN. "As I have always said, scoring brings more confidence and motivates any player.
"You can't be rated highly as a striker or an attacking midfielder when you don't score goals."
Army side UPDF FC battled well and defended in numbers, but their gameplan was undone when Sulaiman Majanjalo was sent off for a second bookable offence after 66 minutes.
"I could see we had all the possession and it was just a matter of time before we scored," Okello added. "We are going to keep fighting to win every game because the league is really tight at the top."
While manager Mutebi was relieved with the victory, he was left frustrated at his team's profligacy in front of goal.
"We need to learn to take our chances because we are also using these games to sharpen the team ahead of the group stage of the CAF Champions League," said the coach.
KCCA became the first Ugandan side to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League when they eliminated Saint George of Ethiopia in the First Round, but have been handed a tough draw after being pitted against Al-Ahly, Esperance and Township Rollers.
Mutebi's team are back in action on Thursday away at Maroons FC at the Luzira ground, but SC Villa could have restored their six-point advantage when they meet struggling Police FC the day beforehand.
Third-placed SC Vipers, who have 42 points, battle BIDCO Bul FC away in Jinja.
At the wrong end of the table, Uganda's most supported team, Express FC, risk relegation as they find themselves third from bottom with 19 points.
Proline FC and Masavu FC, the two sides beneath them, are also on 19 points.