Tuesday, April 4
*Gadaffi 0-0 Busoga United
*Onduparaka 2-0 BUL
*UPDF 3-1 Arua Hill
*SC Villa 1-0 Bright Stars
SC Villa beat Bright Stars for their fifth league win on return to Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.
Charles Bbaale scored in the 72nd minute and the Jogoos held on to extend their lead atop to four points above KCCA who have played three games less.
Bbaale, received from Substitute Ivan Sserubiri, before curling into the top corner far from goalkeeper Sanon Munabi’s reach.
Bright Stars we’re presented with two good opportunities to deny Villa maximum points, but failed to find a leveller.
The first fell to Samuel Ssenyonjo who benefited from an intended back pass to Gift Fred from Edward Masembe, but rattled the post.
Then Ashraf Mulindi was unmarked in the box, only to fire over the bar with a goal at his mercy.
And the final whistle was greeted with wild celebrations as Villa continue to defy odds in what promises to be a good season for the 16-time record champions.
SC Villa Can Dream
SC Villa last won the league in 2004, and it has been 14 seasons of nothing.
After 20 games, and top of the log, it is understandable for Villa fraternity to start the title talk.
Especially after last season’s poor show where the Jogoos finished two places above the relegation zone.
It has been a quick turnaround for Coach Jackson Magera and his side not only play some good football but are notably hard to break.
They were on top against Bright Stars for extended stretches and could have won easily but failed to find the back of the net.
Joseph Kafumbe got the first open chance at the box edge but was denied by Mulabi who made a fine save.
Bbaale headed over after a good cross from Tabu Oryem, Hassan Musana sent a freekick over while David Owori failed to find the target.
And after Sserubiri and Jonah Kakande came on in the second stanza, Villa continued to ask more questions and it was just a matter of time for the only goal of the game.
The goal was well-worked, and Sserubiri was the provider for Bbale who cleverly curled into the top corner.
You can’t speak with authority that Villa have the legs to last the distance, but every achievement started with a dream.
Bright Stars Slip Again
Bright Stars barely put foot wrong at Wankulukuku, and it’s a result they will want to forget easily.
They had good chances to score, especially after Villa went ahead in the last quarter of the game.
And even earlier in the game, Ibrahim Kasinde fired wide after cutting from inside, Denis Kaka Omony forced goalkeeper Martin Elungat into a good save from free kick while Noordin Bunjo curled an inch wide.
Nelson Ssenkatuka whose 50-goal milestone will wait for another match-day and Emmanuel Loki, lacked the sharpness despite putting the home defence on tension throughout.
It’s another poor result for Bright Stars who have lost a third game in a row.
And they have dropped to 10th with 24 points, though still way above the red zone.
What Next – SC Villa visit Wakiso Giants on April 8 while Bright Stars will welcome Gaddafi a day earlier.
Team Lineups
SC Villa – Martin Elungat, Tabu Oryem, Joseph Kafumbe, Edward Musana, Fred Gift, Davis Ssekajja, Kenneth Ssemakula, David Owori, Charles Bbaale, Travis Mutyaba, Hassan Musana
Bright Stars – Sanon Mulabi, Cleophas Fiat, Warren Buule, Derrick Kiggundu, Jonathan Odongo, Gideon Andrew Etou, Ibrahim Kasule, Noordin Bunjo, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Denis Kaka Omony, Emmanuel Loki,
