SC Villa Take First-Leg Advantage Over URA in Uganda Cup Semifinals

Monday, May 4
URA FC 0-2 SC Villa

SC Villa secured a crucial first-leg advantage over URA FC in the Uganda Cup semifinals with a 2-0 victory away from home.

Najib Yiga’s strike and an own goal by Moses Aliro handed SC Villa the edge as they push for their 10th Uganda Cup title and their first silverware of the season.

In the 18th minute, Hassan Mubiru raised a high boot in a challenge on URA defender Ronald Otti, but referee George Olemu instead cautioned Otti.

SC Villa created the first clear chance of the game in the 23rd minute when Frank Ssebuufu rose highest to meet Owori’s cross, but his header narrowly went over the bar.

Two minutes later, Najib Yiga gave the visitors the lead with a composed finish.

Patrick Jonah Kakande set up Mubiru, who beat his marker inside the box before laying the ball off to Yiga, who calmly slotted it home.

URA FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu responded immediately by introducing captain Moses Aliro in place of Fred Amaku.

SC Villa nearly doubled their lead before halftime, but Yiga’s long-range effort narrowly missed the target.

Despite enjoying more possession after conceding, URA FC failed to break down a well-organised SC Villa defence, as the visitors went into the break leading 1-0.

In the second half, URA’s best chance came in the 67th minute when Disan Galiwango’s well-struck free kick from outside the box was brilliantly saved by SC Villa goalkeeper David Lukwago, with the resulting corner yielding nothing.

Deep into stoppage time, SC Villa doubled their lead through an own goal by Moses Aliro.

Substitute Andrew Otim pressed aggressively, forcing a defensive error as Aliro’s back pass caught goalkeeper Crispus Kusiima off his line, resulting in a costly mistake.

SC Villa now take a 2-0 advantage into the return leg, scheduled for May 16 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, where they will aim to secure a place in the final.

In the other semifinal, Vipers SC and Kitara FC played out a goalless draw on Sunday in Butema, Hoima.