The Jogoos maintained their stellar run of form, securing a narrow but vital 1-0 victory against UPDF FC at the Bombo Military Barracks Ground on Tuesday. The hard-fought win marked Villa’s fifth consecutive triumph and propelled them to the summit of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table for the first time this season.
First Half Action
The match began with both teams keen to establish dominance. In the 8th minute, an early opportunity arose for Villa when Diego Semugera was just a moment too late to connect with a free-kick delivered by Hassan Mubiru. Two minutes later, Reagan Mpande briefly had the ball in the net, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside.
Possession remained evenly balanced through the mid-half, with both sides cautious in their approach. Simon Semayange produced Villa’s first notable shot on target in the 22nd minute, but UPDF goalkeeper Kimera was alert and punched it away. Despite four minutes of added time, the first half ended goalless, reflecting the lack of clear-cut chances from either side.
Second Half and Decisive Goal
The start of the second half saw a continuation of the tense, tight contest. The deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute by Ibrahim Kasinde. The winger, found the back of the net with a calm, well-placed shot to register the only goal of the game and give the Jogoos the crucial lead.
Before the goal, Villa had made strategic substitutions on the hour mark, bringing on Patrick Jonah Kakande and Ali Bayo for Hassan Mubiru and Najib Yiga, respectively, to inject fresh energy into the attack.
Following the goal, Reagan Mpande tested Kimera again in the 67th minute, but the keeper saved the shot. Mpande was later replaced by Frank Sebuufu in the 69th minute. Villa was forced to make another change in the 75th minute when Elvis Ngonde came on for the injured Simon Semayange.
The Jogoos successfully navigated the final minutes, holding on to their lead to take all three points at the final whistle. The win took the Jogoos top of the table with Fifteen points.
Star of the Match Reaction
Winger Ibrahim Kasinde, whose solitary goal proved to be the match-winner, was named the Star of the Match.
”I am glad to have opened my account in the Uganda Premier League as a Jogoo. This is one of the many to come, I believe. I thank the team for working as one to pick the points on the road and maintain our run intact. We head home and focus shifts to the next game.”
Upcoming Fixture
SC Villa faces a stern test in their next outing as they make a short trip to St. Mary’s Kitende to face rivals Vipers SC this Saturday, November 29th, 2025.
