Uganda Premier League
Express FC 0-1 SC Villa
Betway Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku
Friday, 13-09-2019
SC Villa maintained top spot in the 2019/20 Uganda Premier League thanks to a 1-0 victory over eternal rivals Express FC at the Betway Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku on Friday.
The Jogoos who came into the game top of the pile by vitual of goal difference had vice-captain Ambrose Kirya to thank as the midfielder scored the only goal of the game.
Kirya who was scoring his second goal of the campaign struck with 20 minutes to play to ensure Edward Kaziba’s side registers a third victory of the season.
Villa dominated play throughout the entire 90 minutes but struggled to create clear goal scoring opportunities.
Bashir Mutanda who is yet to score a goal this season shot weakly straight at Joshia Adea in the Express goal.
Yayo Lutimba who is known for having a venomous strike saw one sail over and wide.
Charles Lwanga came the closest but tapped wide a David Owori well weighted low cross.
On 70 minutes, Kirya who scored one of the three goals as Villa beat Mbarara City FC 3-1 on match-day three, scored the all important goal.
The longest serving Jogoo on the current rooster, rose highest to nod a Derrick Ndahiro cross into the back of the net to hand Villa a lead that they held onto till the final whistle.
Express will feel hard-done by a late penalty decision that did not go their way after Frank Ssenyondo was brought down in the forbidden area by Villa custodian Saidi Keni.
Even before the penalty appeal, the Red Eagles had created the better chances despite enjoying less possession.
Veteran striker Frank Kalanda connected neatly with Disan Ggaliwango’s cross to call Keni into action early in the game.
Hamdan Nsubuga who was on target in Express’s last game against Mbarara also forced Keni into a brilliant save in the second half.
Joshua Musoke shot over from a good position after getting past Derrick Ndahiro.
The loss is Express’s third of the season having previously succumbed to a similar fate away to Bul FC and at home to Bright Stars.
George Ssemwogerere’s side stay on 4 points so far following a 3-2 victory at Mbarara City FC and a 1-1 draw with Bright Stars.
For Villa, they now have 10 points from the first five games and are three points ahead of second placed Wakiso Giants who play their match-day 5 fixture on Saturday afternoon.
Express takes on Proline in their next fixture while Villa are at home to Vipers.
Staring Teams
Express FC
Joshua Adea (GK), Lawrence Kigonya, Andrew Kiwanuka, Cyrus Kibande, Martin Kizza, Dennis Sserukwaya, Hamdan Nsubuga, Daniel Shabena, Frank Ssenyondo, Frank Kalanda, Disan Galiwango
SC VILLA
Said Keni, Ibrahim Kibumba, Yayo Lutimba, Moses Kiggundu, Asuman Alishe, Amir Kakomo, David Owori, Emmanuel Kalyowa, Ambrose Kirya, Bashir Mutanda, Derrick Ndahiro.
The other game played on Friday
-URA FC 1-2 Tooro United FC
