UPL: SC Villa vs KCCA FC – Preview, Team News, Stats

MD22 Saturday Fixtures
Calvary vs Buhimba – 4:00 PM
SC Villa vs KCCA FC – 8:00 PM

Preview: KCCA Seek Double Over SC Villa

KCCA FC will be aiming to return to winning ways following their Uganda Cup exit when they face SC Villa on Saturday evening under the floodlights at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, in matchday 22 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.

KCCA won the first leg 2-1 at Namboole, and victory on Saturday would see them complete a league double over their Kampala derby rivals.

Following their Uganda Cup elimination, KCCA FC’s hopes of silverware now rest on the league, and they will need to overcome every opponent in their path to stay in contention.

SC Villa, meanwhile, will be looking to make use of home advantage and secure their first league win over KCCA FC since 2020.

The last time Villa beat KCCA in the league was a 2-1 victory, courtesy of goals from Ronald Ssemaganda and Nicholas Kabonge, while Brian Aheebwa scored for KCCA.

Villa will need to keep a close eye on Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who is currently the league’s top scorer with 11 goals.

On the other hand, KCCA’s defence will have to contain Frank Ssebufu, who has scored seven league goals this season.

Andrew Otim is also in fine form, having scored in his last two matches and capable of making an impact.

A win for KCCA FC would take them to second place with 48 points, just three behind table leaders Vipers SC.

For SC Villa, victory would move them to 44 points, maintaining their fourth position while closing the gap to just three points behind second place.

Team News

“We have spent the week focusing heavily on tactical discipline and minimising errors. In a game of such intensity, the small details matter most. We are prepared, both physically and mentally, for the derby,” said KCCA FC co-head coach Jackson Magera.

Umar Lutalo and James Mubezi have begun rehabilitation, while Sharif Ssengendo and Lazaro Muhindo have returned and are available for selection.

Derrick Nsibambi and Bright Anukani remain sidelined with knee injuries.

“We lost the first leg despite creating over five chances and failing to convert them, but we have improved. Every game presents opportunities, and we are hopeful of a positive result against KCCA FC. History does not matter now; we are focused on Saturday’s game and ready to fight for three points,” said SC Villa head coach Zeljko Kovacevic.

Striker Frank Ssebufu returns after serving his suspension in the Uganda Cup, while Charles Lwanga is also back from a hand injury that kept him out of the previous match.

Diego Ssemugera remains doubtful, but the rest of the squad is available for selection.

Stats

Head-to-head (last 30 meetings):
KCCA FC – 15 wins
SC Villa – 3 wins
Draws – 12

Last five league matches:
KCCA FC – 5 wins
SC Villa – 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss