SC Villa produced a composed away performance to beat Express FC 2-0 at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, on Wednesday, maintaining their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League campaign.
Patrick Kakande struck early to give the Jogoos the advantage before Denis Otim capitalised on a late goalkeeping error to put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time.
Villa needed just four minutes to break the deadlock. Joseph Kasinde delivered a precise ball from the right, and Kakande was perfectly positioned to turn it home from close range.
The visitors had threatened moments earlier when Arnold Odong rose to meet Reagan Mpande’s cross, but his second-minute header drifted narrowly wide.
Express struggled to establish a foothold after conceding, while Villa remained dangerous in transition.
Mpande almost doubled the advantage in the 21st minute, unleashing a powerful effort from distance that flew narrowly past the target.
The hosts were also let down by a lack of decisiveness in front of goal.
A poor pass from defender Raymond Barasa Mangoli allowed Nicholas Jjonga to intercept and release Isaac Wagoina, but the Express forward failed to react quickly enough to exploit the opening.
Villa made three changes seven minutes after the restart, bringing on Aslam Ssemakula, Frank Ssebufu and Mpande for Kato Ssemayange, Isaac Gumperon and John Asiimwe.
The changes initially unsettled the visitors, allowing Express to assume greater control as they searched for an equaliser.
Their best opportunity arrived in the 66th minute when Shafic Batambuze sent a dangerous delivery into the area. Wagoina, unmarked and well placed, failed to keep his header on target.
Express continued to press, with Abasi Muluya combining with Peter Onzima before the latter sent a teasing ball across the face of goal.
Once again, however, there was no Express player available to provide the finishing touch.
Villa ultimately punished Express for their missed opportunities in stoppage time.
Goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya rushed from his line but misjudged the bounce, presenting Denis Otim with a straightforward chance.
The Villa forward kept his composure to finish into an empty net and secure all three points for the visitors.
The victory lifts SC Villa to third place with seven points, while Express remain ninth on three points after three matches.
