Uganda Premier League
SC Villa 3-2 Express
The much anticipated Kampala derby lived to the billing as both sides treated the fans to an explosive encounter played on Saturday at Mandela National stadium.
Umar Kasumba’s first half brace and Vitalis Tabu’s penalty in the second half ensured SC Villa picked maximum points despite Saddam Ibrahim Juma and Simon Sserunkuma scoring for Express.
As early as 40 seconds into the game, SC Villa had the first chance of the game with Lwesibawa dribbling past Stephen Luswata but his lay up for Alex Kitata was cleared by Bob Kasozi.
Express had the first attempt at goal with Herman Wasswa’s effort hitting the woodwork after a minute of play.
It was Saddam Juma who gave the visitors an early lead in the 3rd minute after a poor clearance from goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi gifted him with the ball before curling into an empty net.
SC Villa pushed for an instant equaliser and Alex Kitata almost leveled matters off a header from Lwesibawa’s trademark throw in but his effort went beyond the goal area.
Umar Kasumba leveled the score at the 16th minute mark after a poor clearance from Express defender Bob Kasozi landed to Kasumba who slotted on the far right end past goalkeeper Ali Kiggundu.
Umar Kasumba got onto the score sheet again six minutes later heading home Godfrey Lwesibawa’s cross from a corner for the home side to take the lead which sent the SC Villa fans into a frenzy.
The visitors made double substitution after recess with Allan Kyambadde and Simon Sserunkuma replacing John Ssemazi and Richard Kigozi respectively.
Mike Mutyaba also came on for Sam Ssenkomi in the 61st minute and he laid up Simon Sserinkuma to level the score at 2-2 in the 68th minute. However, this lasted just three minutes before Vitalis Tabu restored the lead for the hosts converting from a penalty after Bob Kasozi’s foul on Lwesibawa inside the forbidden area.
Express fans turned rowdy throwing objects onto the field which prompted play to stop for about five minutes before referee Brian Miiro Nsubuga resumed.
Herman Wasswa had a goal disallowed in the 82nd minute for offside and SC Villa held on to the score for the remaining minutes to get maximum points.
The result means SC Villa ascend to second spot on the table with 21 points 4 behind leaders KCCA but with a game in hand while Express remained 7th on 14 points.
SC Villa starting XI
Yasin Mugabi, Joseph Nsubuga, Jether Waibi, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Paul Mbowa, Ayub Kisaalita, Ambrose Kiirya (82′ Abel Eturude), Lwesibawa Godfrey (77′ Faudi Ndayisenga), Alex Kitata, Umar Kasumba, Vitalis Tabu (90+2 Boubi Bi)
Express starting XI
Ali Kiggundu, Sam Ssenkomi (71 Mike Mutyaba),Mohamood Hassan, Bob Kasozi, Farouk Matovu, Richard Kigozi (46′ Ivan Sserunkuma) Stephen Luswata, Saddam Ibrahim Juma, Herman Wasswa, Isaac Sserunkuma, John Ssemazi (46′ Allan Kyambadde)