SC Villa maintained their grip on the title race after edging archrivals Express FC 1–0 in a tense Uganda Premier League derby played on Thursday evening at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Coming into the encounter, the Red Eagles were desperate for a response following consecutive losses to UPPC at Entebbe and Maroons, while the record champions had their sights firmly set on trimming the gap to table leaders Vipers SC.
The decisive moment arrived early. Fifteen minutes in, defender Frank Ssebuufu towered above everyone in the box to power home a header from Najib Yiga’s perfectly weighted corner, sending the Jogoos faithful into celebration.
Express showed intent to fight back and nearly drew level before the break. In the 38th minute, Muhammad Ssenoga found space in the area, but SC Villa custodian David Lukwago stood firm with a sharp save to preserve his side’s advantage.
The hosts dominated possession after halftime and pushed numbers forward in search of an equalizer.
Their best chance of the second period came in the 75th minute when Mikidadi Ssenyonga unleashed a fierce long-range effort, only for Lukwago to once again come to Villa’s rescue.
Despite sustained pressure, Express could not find a breakthrough as Villa defended resolutely to secure a vital derby victory on enemy territory.
The win lifts SC Villa to third place on the standings with 26 points, level with second-placed KCCA FC and just one point behind leaders Vipers SC. Express, coached by Jimmy Kintu Mwera, remain 11th with 12 points.
Up next, the Red Eagles will host Buhimba United Saints on January 23, while SC Villa face a stern away test against a rejuvenated BUL FC side under Alex Isabirye.
