SC Villa strengthened their Uganda Premier League title ambitions with a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Mbarara City at Muteesa II Stadium on Thursday, climbing to second place in the standings.
Second-half substitute Najib Yiga sealed the points five minutes from time after Frank Ssebuufu had given the Jogoos an early lead, extending the hosts’ impressive run as the race at the top of the table intensifies.
Villa made a bright start, with Ssebuufu capitalising on a rebound in the 10th minute after Aslam Ssemakula’s low effort struck the woodwork.
The early breakthrough offered the hosts a platform to dictate proceedings, but Mbarara gradually found their footing.
The Ankole Lions adjusted their defensive approach, keeping their full-backs deep and maintaining a compact back four to restrict Villa’s advances down the flanks.
The visitors subsequently created opportunities of their own but lacked the composure required to turn their attacking moves into goals.
Villa made their first tactical adjustment five minutes before the interval, introducing Tony Asiku for Ibrahim Kasinde in an attempt to gain greater control in midfield.
Patrick Kalande was then withdrawn for Yiga at the start of the second half, a change that would ultimately prove decisive.
Mbarara emerged with renewed purpose after the restart and enjoyed a promising spell during the opening 10 minutes.
However, Rogers Mugisha and Ivan Bogere were unable to make the most of their opportunities as the visitors pursued an equaliser.
Villa responded in the 58th minute by bringing on Brian Kassim Mato for Andrew Okumu, with Mato taking up the right-back position.
The reshuffle appeared to offer Mbarara additional space to exploit on that flank, and Mugisha combined with Abdul Malik Bironse to put the hosts under pressure.
Villa, however, remained resilient when called upon to defend.
Goalkeeper David Lukwago produced a crucial save in the 68th minute to deny Kanyike from close range, preserving his side’s slender advantage.
Lukwago was forced off through injury two minutes later, with Hassan Matovu replacing him in goal as Villa sought to protect their lead.
The hosts eventually extinguished Mbarara’s hopes of a comeback in the 85th minute when Yiga capitalised on a defensive lapse, punishing the visitors after they failed to clear their lines to put the result beyond doubt.
The victory takes Villa to 17 points from seven matches, lifting them into second place in the league standings.
Mbarara City, meanwhile, remain 14th with five points from six outings.
