SC Villa continued their remarkable resurgence with a gritty 2-1 triumph over NEC at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba on Thursday, a result that propelled the Jogoos into second place on the Premier League log.
Goals from Najib Yiga and super-sub Elvis Ngonde ensured the record champions stretched their winning streak to four matches, keeping them within touching distance of leaders Police FC.
After a cagey, goalless opening stanza, Villa found the breakthrough barely two minutes after the restart.
Frank Ssebuufu rose highest to flick a header into Yiga’s path, and the youngster calmly tucked the ball past Hannington Ssebwalunyo to ignite the home crowd.
With the game inching toward the final whistle, Ngonde, introduced for fresh legs finished off a slick breakaway move in the 87th minute.
Man of the Match Hassan Mubiru sliced NEC’s backline open with a sumptuous delivery, leaving Ssebwalunyo sprawling as Ngonde doubled Villa’s cushion.
NEC’s Daniel Shabena pulled one back deep into stoppage time, setting up a tense finale, but the Kadiba faithful held their breath only momentarily as Villa weathered the late storm to seal all three points.
NEC, still searching for a first win under head coach Badru Kaddu, remain stranded in 12th position with six points.
Villa, now on 13 points just one behind Police, who have played an extra match, shift focus to their next assignment, an away duel with UPDF in Bombo next week. NEC, meanwhile, prepare to host fellow strugglers Calvary on December 25 at Lugogo.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Lugazi and Express settled for a stalemate in Najjembe after a drab 0-0 draw, while Kitara edged BUL 1-0 in Butema to abruptly end the visitors’ unbeaten run.
Yiga, Ngonde Fire SC Villa to Fourth Straight Win
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