SC Villa walked away from Hamz stadium, Nakivubo with maximum points after a disciplined and streetwise display earned them a narrow Uganda Premier League victory over Express, who once again dominated the ball without finding a cutting edge.
On a difficult, waterlogged surface that disrupted fluency from the opening exchanges, both sides initially struggled to settle into rhythm. Express tried to impose themselves through possession, but Villa looked the more purposeful whenever they pushed forward.
The decisive moment arrived in the 15th minute and it was straight from the training ground. Najib Yiga whipped in a well-rehearsed corner and Frank Ssebuufu rose unchallenged to power home a bullet header, silencing the Red Eagles faithful and giving Villa a precious lead.
From there, the Jogoos shifted into control mode. Express enjoyed plenty of the ball but lacked invention in the final third, often running into a well-organised Villa backline marshalled by a confident David Lukwago in goal. The best chance of the first half for the hosts fell to Muhammad Ssenoga, but his weak finish was comfortably blocked by Lukwago’s legs.
After the break, the pattern remained largely unchanged. Express pushed numbers forward and upped the tempo, yet their attacks fizzled out at the crucial moment. Villa, meanwhile, threatened on the break, with Aslam Semakula forcing Express FC goalkeeper Khassim Hafizi into a save and Ibrahim Kasinde firing narrowly wide earlier in the contest.
Substitutions on both sides failed to tilt the balance significantly. Mikidad Ssenyonga came closest to rescuing Express with a fierce long-range effort that stung Lukwago’s palms, while late pressure saw Ssenoga force a fingertip save and Henry Wamala slip at a vital moment inside the box.
As the clock ticked down and frustration grew among the home fans — reflected in chants aimed at the referee — Villa held their nerve, managing the game smartly through stoppage time to seal a hard-earned 1-0 win.
Frank Ssebuufu’s early header ultimately proved the difference, earning him the Man of the Match award and underlining Villa’s efficiency on the night, while Express were left to rue another evening of dominance without reward.
The victory saw Villa move third with 26 points just second placed KCCA FC. Vipers top the standings with 27 points with a game less. Express are 11th with 12 points.
