Early Ssebuufu strike sends SC Villa third as Kitara are held

SC Villa surged into third place on the Startimes Uganda Premier League table after edging Lugazi 1-0, while Kitara’s momentum was checked by a frustrating stalemate against Calvary in Hoima.
The decisive moment arrived almost instantly in Najjembe. Just 103 seconds after kickoff, Frank Ssebuufu capitalised on a loose ball following a foul on David Owori that went unpunished. With goalkeeper Allan Batali Igama caught off his line, the forward reacted sharply to smash home and hand Villa an early advantage.
That goal ultimately proved decisive, though not for lack of chances. Ssebuufu nearly doubled his tally at the half-hour mark, only to be denied by a fine save from Batali Igama. Moments later, Aslam Ssemakula squandered a clear opportunity to extend the lead, keeping Lugazi within reach.
Lugazi showed flashes of intent and came close to restoring parity just before the break, but Villa goalkeeper David Lukwago stood firm to preserve the narrow lead heading into halftime.
The second half was a more measured affair. SC Villa adopted a compact, disciplined shape, limiting Lugazi to few clear openings while managing the game with composure. Their defensive resolve ensured the early breakthrough was enough to secure all three points.
The victory lifts Villa to 48 points, narrowing the gap to leaders Vipers SC to seven, and strengthening their push in the top tier. Lugazi, meanwhile, remain 13th on 20 points, hovering five above the relegation zone with six matches left in their campaign.
In Hoima, Kitara were held to a goalless draw by bottom-placed Calvary, missing an opportunity to gain ground as matchday 24 concluded.
Attention now turns to the next round of fixtures, with SC Villa set to host Buhimba on April 25, while Lugazi will welcome Kitara on the same day.