Tuesday, May 16
•Arua Hill 1-4 Busoga United
•Blacks Power 3-2 Gaddafi
•KCCA 1-0 BUL
•Maroons 1-0 Onduparaka
•UPDF 0-2 SC Villa
•Vipers 5-2 Express
•Wakiso Giants 2-0 Bright Stars
SC Villa kept their title hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over UPDF at Bombo Barracks Ground in the Startimes Uganda Premier League.
Second half goals from Gift Fred and Charles Bbaale inspired the Jogoos to victory to keep pace with both Vipers and KCCA.
Villa remain toe-to-toe with Vipers and KCCA on 49 points after their challengers also registered victories.
It’s the first time since 2016/2017 season that Villa have completed a double over UPDF.
The Jogoos were also 2-0 winners in the reverse fixture.
For UPDF, it’s a painful defeat that sinks them closer to relegation after both Blacks Power and Busoga United won their games.
They are now just three points above Blacks Power who occupies the last red zone.
The match was cagey on the opening exchanges with slow pace as both sides were enjoying a share of possession.
First clear chance for a goal came in the 20th minute when Ivan Ahimbisibwe headed wide Mugisha Rogers delivery at the far post for the hosts.
Villa retaliated with two quick chances but were kept at bay by Goalkeeper Were Derrick brilliance.
He first stretched to tip away Umar Lutalo freekick at the bottom corner before pulling out a diving save to stop David Owori shot.
At the restart, Villa drew the first blood in the 50th minute through Gift who tapped home from close range after a scramble in the box when the hosts failed to clear the ball away from danger.
Goalkeeper Were was spot on to palm Charles Bbaale low shot at the near post as the visitors pressed to double their lead.
Bbaale finally found the goal he craved for in the 82nd minute when he tapped home from Kakande Patrick teasing ball after Kawagu Christopher failed to clear Seif Batte cross.
Villa remains third in the standing with 49 points after 26 matches while UPDF drops to 13th with 26 points in 26 matches.
What Next
UPDF will visit Gadaffi FC on Friday 19th at Kakindu stadium while Villa will host Blacks Power at Wankulukuku Stadium on Tuesday 23rd.
Line Ups
UPDF XI: Were Derrick (GK), Kawagu Christopher, Oyirwoth Daglas, Bernard Muwanga, Kiggundu Moses, Ibrahim Magandaazi, Ibrahim Wammanah, Kyeyune Abasi, Nsimbe Badru Jibril, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Mugisha Rogers.
Villa XI: Meddie Kibirige (GK), Tabu Oryem, Kenneth Ssemakula, Fred Gift, Davis Ssekajja, Hamza Mulambuzi, Umar Lutalo, Charles Bbaale, David Owori, Frank Muna Kalule, Ivan Bogere.
