Maroons FC battled to a gritty 1-0 triumph over SC Villa in a tempestuous Uganda Premier League encounter on Saturday evening at the Luzira Prison Grounds.
The clash, packed with intensity and high emotions, produced early drama, heated confrontations, and two red cards that shaped the evening’s narrative.
The hosts wasted no time asserting themselves. Barely a minute into the contest, Ivan Mayanja pounced to give Maroons the perfect start, finishing off a well-threaded pass from Baden Mujahid.
The early breakthrough energized the Wardens, who pressed with purpose while keeping their defensive structure tight.
But the match took an ugly turn midway through the first half. Maroons goalkeeper Simon Tamale sparked chaos after kicking an opponent, an action that ignited a scuffle involving players from both sides.
Tamale received his marching orders, and minutes later, SC Villa defender Geoffrey Lubangakene followed him down the tunnel as the referee sought to restore order to the increasingly volatile fixture.
Forced to reorganize, Maroons sacrificed midfielder Ivan Asaba to introduce substitute goalkeeper Matovu Hassan.
Despite being thrust into the spotlight under immense pressure, Matovu rose to the occasion, putting in a composed and determined shift between the sticks.
SC Villa threw bodies forward in search of an equalizer, surging repeatedly at the Maroons backline.
But the Luzira-based outfit, roared on by their faithful home crowd, held firm with disciplined defending and timely clearances.
The result lifts Maroons to eighth place on the log with 12 points, while SC Villa, despite the setback, remain second on 17 points after nine matches.
For Maroons, it was a night of resilience, character, and tactical discipline; for Villa, a reminder of just how punishing the league can be when tempers flare.
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