Vitalis Taabu’s well-taken penalty sent SC Villa to second position in the Uganda Premier League after a stormy derby win against Express FC at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Umar Kasuba’s two first-half goals put the Jogoos in control against the Red Eagles after suffering early goal from Saddam Juma with Simon Sserunkuma putting Express level as the game entered late second half moments.
Saddam Juma demonstrated his worth in 5th minute with a beautiful goal as he powered a shot into an empty net after defensive error beyond a stretching SC Villa custodian.
SC Villa were overjoyed at a result that gives them a stranglehold on the title race, capping a miserable weekend for Express FC after landing a heavy sponsorship package.
Bob Kazosi and Matovu Farouk both played important parts in an attack that swept forward from Express goalkeeper clearance and Umar Kasumba finished the job. His shot may have been scuffed but his intention to wrong-foot Express defender was clear.
SC Villa width was troubling Express FC and was pivotal as they extended their lead just before the half-hour. Mike Mutyaba made inroads down the right corner for Umar Kasumba to sweep another precise finish past through a header for a brace.
Express FC Ssemazi had made no impact on the game and it was no surprise when he was replaced by Allan Kyebadde in the opening moments of the second half after a needless backheel conceded possession and brought a frustrated response from Bissaso.
Seconds later Express were back in business as Simon Sserunkuma scored after Mutyaba had seen his effort blocked.
As the Red Eagles sensed an equaliser, SC Villa had a remarkable escape in the 59th minute when Wasswa turned inside only for his angled effort to skim off SC Villa’s goalie shoulder on to the bar.
The leveller came in the 68th minute when Allan Kyebadde drilled home powerfully for the second.
Express then thought they had scored a third when Hassan Wasswa converted from close range after Farouk Matovu had struck nice pass but the linesman’s flag was raised for a very marginal offside decision.
Red Eagles pushed forward in search of a stunning victory but the points went to SC Villa when Matovu brought down Lwesibaba and Vitalis Taabu scored from an well taken penalty.
Ugly scenes followed, SC Villa’s Vitali mocked Express fans who responded by throwing objects into the pitch.
The incident marred a magnificent game in which the Express FC turned around a poor second-half display and threatened to earn a point after Vitalis ‘s dramatic intervention but luck was on their side with final scores standing SC Villa 3-2 Express.
