SC Villa traveled to face Kitara FC on matchday 17 of the Startimes Uganda Premier League at Masindi stadium, resulting in a one-all draw. The game was filled with end-to-end action, with the home side striking first blood through Brian Aheebwa and Kakande’s late equalizer leveling the score for the Jogoos.
The match kicked off with both teams engaging in a tight contest. SC Villa earned the first corner of the day in the 5th minute, but Kitara’s goalkeeper, Chrispus Kusiima, denied Sekiganda’s header with a decisive punch in the 7th minute.
As the game progressed, Kakande was fouled by Jude near the box area in the 24th minute, but Semakula’s resulting shot sailed above the crossbar. Despite SC Villa’s dominance, they couldn’t find the breakthrough, with defender Cyrus Kibande and Patrick Kakande both coming close to scoring.
Tempers flared as Odong Arnold received a yellow card for a foul on Omedi in the 38th minute. Kakande was fouled at the edge of the box by Mucurezi in the 43rd minute, but Semakula failed to capitalize on the resulting free-kick.
The first half ended goalless, but controversy arose in the 54th minute when a goal for SC Villa was disallowed after Lwanga collided with Kitara’s Kusiima, resulting in a yellow card for Lwanga. Kitara seized the opportunity and took the lead in the 57th minute through Brian Aheebwa.
Despite SC Villa’s efforts to equalize, Sekiganda’s shot hit the crossbar in the 60th minute after a promising build-up with Kakande. Coach Dusan made his first substitutions of the day in the 65th minute, bringing on Andrew Otim (on Debut) and midfielder Lutalo Umar.
With the game reaching its climax, Patrick Jonah Kakande and the day’s man of the Match scored a crucial equalizer in the 84th minute, assisted by Mpande. However, tensions flared again in the 87th minute when Gavin Kizito and Kitara’s Frank Tumwesigye received yellow cards for a fist fight.
The game ended with both teams earning a hard-fought point from Masindi stadium. Forward Charles Lwanga expressed gratitude to the fans for their support and vowed to return stronger after correcting their mistakes.
“I thank the fans for rallying behind us Today, we came with a main focus of taking all the points home but we were short and only picked a point. We are returning home to build on that correct the mistakes and return back stronger.”
Next up for the Jogoos will be the Stanbic Uganda cup tie against Buganda Regional side Synergy FC between 14th – 21st February at Muteesa II stadium Wankulukuku.
