SC Villa battled to a 1-1 draw against Vipers SC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, a result that was enough to send the Jogoos to the summit of the Uganda Premier League table on 17 points level with KCCA FC but ahead on goal difference.
In a tense contest under the Kitende floodlights, both sides traded early half-chances. Vipers looked sharp through Allan Okello and Yunus Sentamu, but Villa goalkeeper David Lukwago stood firm, while Hassan Mubiru’s early openings for Villa failed to produce an end product.
The first half offered more cautions than clear opportunities, with several players from both camps finding their way into the referee’s book. The goalless deadlock at halftime was a fair reflection of a cagey, physical opening 45 minutes.
Villa found their breakthrough in the 68th minute, moments after making a double substitution. Second-half substitute Frank Ssebuufu pounced on a clever Kato Ssemayange delivery to fire the visitors ahead, sending the away fans into celebration.
But the lead lasted barely four minutes. Usama Arafat restored parity for Vipers in the 72nd minute, finishing neatly off an Allan Okello assist after a flowing move.
Vipers pushed late with fresh legs in Karisa, Walusimbi and Ogwang, while Villa were forced to finish the game with 10 men after substitute Sula Matovu who had earlier been booked off the pitch at halftime was shown a second yellow in the 89th minute.
Despite late pressure, Villa held firm through three added minutes to secure a valuable point on the road.
What a fantastic game, truly a battle of wills between those two teams! It was great to watch.