SC Villa climbed joint top of the Uganda Premier League after battling to a hard-earned 1–1 draw with Vipers SC in a lively rescheduled clash under the Kitende floodlights on Saturday night.
Originally postponed from matchday one due to Vipers’ continental duties, the encounter lived up to its billing as both in-form sides came in with strong winning streaks, Vipers with four straight victories and Villa with five.
The early exchanges were sharp and open as Yunus Sentamu had the home crowd celebrating before his finish was ruled out, while Villa’s Hassan Mubiru caused problems at the other end but lacked the final touch.
Villa goalkeeper David Lukwago produced key saves to keep Vipers at bay as the first half grew more physical, with several players going into the book.
Villa came out brighter after the interval when substitute Frank Ssebuufu made an immediate impact, rising to nod in Kato Ssemayange’s pinpoint cross in the 67th minute.
Vipers responded swiftly, Allan Okello drifting into space to set up Usama Arafat for a simple tap-in just five minutes later.
Okello nearly stole the points late on with a curling effort that whistled inches wide, but Villa held firm to secure a valuable away draw.
A late red card to Sula Matovu, who remained unused on the bench, had no effect on the result.
The result reshuffles the top of the table: Villa sit on 17 points, tied with KCCA who top on head-to-head advantage, while Vipers drop to fourth with 13 points, level on points with Kitara and UPPC but with games in hand.
Up next: Vipers return to Kitende to host UPDF on December 2, while SC Villa travel to face Maroons on December 6.
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