SC Villa moved to the top of the Uganda Premier League table following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lugazi FC at Najjembe on Saturday.
The Jogoos returned to winning ways with an impressive away performance, extending their points tally to 21 after bouncing back from a goalless draw against Blacks Power in their previous outing.
Villa made just one change to the starting lineup, with Brian Mato coming in for Andrew Okumu at right-back.
Credit to SC Villa
The visitors needed just four minutes to break the deadlock through Frank Sebuufu, who capitalised on a goalkeeping error by Allan Batali Igama. The Lugazi goalkeeper failed to deal with Patrick Kakande’s cross, allowing Sebuufu to pounce and tap the ball into an unguarded net.
Villa maintained their advantage into the break before doubling their lead shortly after the restart.
John Asiimwe rose highest in the 56th minute to head home Ibrahim Kasinde’s well-delivered cross, giving the visitors a comfortable two-goal cushion.
Celebrating John Assimwe credit to SC Villa.
Lugazi, however, refused to surrender and continued pushing for a way back into the contest. Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when substitute Livingstone Mulondo pulled one back.
Mulondo, who had come on for Louis Anguti in the 17th minute, reacted quickest after Frank Mulimi’s powerful free-kick was initially saved by David Lukwago before rebounding off the crossbar.
The goal was briefly contested after second assistant referee Hakim Lubwama flagged for offside, sparking a disagreement with centre referee Henry Musisi. Following consultations between the officials, the goal was eventually allowed to stand.
Despite the late scare, SC Villa held on to secure all three points and move to the summit of the standings with 21 points.
In action Patrick Jonah Kakande- Credit to SC Villa
The victory puts the Jogoos in a strong position as the title race continues, although they will have little time to celebrate, with a trip to face BUL scheduled for Tuesday next week.
For Lugazi, the defeat leaves them in 13th position with eight points. They will now turn their attention to another challenging assignment against Vipers in their next league fixture.