UPL: SC Villa Hold Vipers After Entertaining Second Half

By: Geoffrey Mugabi

Wednesday Results
SC Villa 1-1 Vipers
Calvary 0-0 Lugazi
UPDF FC 0-1 Express

SC Villa came from behind to hold table leaders Vipers SC to a 1-1 draw in matchday 23 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.

In the match played at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, Frank Ssebufu scored the equaliser to cancel out Hillary Mukundane’s opener as the two sides shared the spoils.

The first half, played under the floodlights, produced few clear-cut chances, with both teams heading into the break goalless.

Inside the opening 13 minutes, Vipers goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu made a crucial save with his foot to deny Najib Yiga, who was through on goal.

The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when Hillary Mukundane rose highest to head home from a well-delivered corner by Odili Chukwuma, beating his marker and powering the ball past goalkeeper David Lukwago to give Vipers the lead.

However, SC Villa responded just five minutes later. Frank Ssebufu, who also scored in the first leg, struck again to level matters.

Hassan Mubiru beat several defenders before setting up Najib Yiga, whose quick touches in the box allowed him to chip the ball across for Ssebufu to head past Kiggundu.

The match was briefly marred by crowd trouble, with SC Villa fans throwing bottles in protest after referee Lucky Kasalirwe declined to send off Enock Ssebagala for a serious foul despite already being on a yellow card.

Club president Hajji Omar Mandela was forced to intervene and calm the supporters, although Vipers fans also responded by throwing objects.

Late in the game, Vipers nearly snatched victory when Isaac Ogwang played a through ball to captain Milton Karisa, but he was brilliantly denied by Lukwago.

At full time, both teams settled for a 1-1 draw, mirroring the result from the first leg.

Vipers remain top of the table with 52 points, five ahead of second-placed Kitara, who have a game in hand.

SC Villa move into third place with 45 points, seven behind the leaders.

In their next fixtures, Vipers will visit Buhimba on 21 April, while SC Villa will travel to face Lugazi the following day.

Elsewhere, Express FC defeated UPDF FC 1-0 in Bombo courtesy of a late goal from Elvis Ssekajugo, while Lugazi and Calvary played out a goalless draw in Yumbe.

Matchday 23 continues on Thursday, with Mbarara City hosting Police FC, Entebbe UPPC visiting Buhimba, and URA FC taking on BUL FC.