SC Villa face a tricky outing away to Police FC this afternoon at the Kira Road Police Arena, with both sides under pressure to bounce back after recent setbacks in the Uganda Premier League.
Villa’s pursuit of the title has slowed in recent weeks, and the Jogoos arrive in Kamwokya knowing that anything less than victory could further dent their chances in the championship race. The 17-time champions currently sit fourth with 38 points, trailing leaders Vipers SC and second-placed Kitara FC.
Their most recent outing ended in frustration after a tense stalemate against traditional rivals Express FC. Villa thought they had taken the lead during that encounter when midfielder Hassan Mubiru found the net, but assistant referee Immaculate Ongiera ruled the effort offside, a decision that sparked debate after television replays appeared to show the attacker onside.
Head coach Zeljko Kovacevic will be demanding a sharper attacking display from his team, especially after they created several opportunities against Express but failed to break through, largely due to a strong performance from goalkeeper Khassim Hafizi.
For Police, the fixture represents an opportunity to halt a slide that has seen them drift away from the early-season promise they showed. The Cops, guided by coach Matia Lule, made an impressive start to the campaign with victories over strong opponents but have since dropped to sixth place with 32 points.
Their last league win came against Lugazi FC, and since then Police have endured a difficult spell that includes a cup exit to the same opponents, league defeats to BUL FC and KCCA FC, plus a draw against Buhimba United Saints.
Police will be counting on key players such as Bedia Djuma Ikamba, Brian James Obedi and Umaru Kasumba to rediscover their spark, while forward Charles Bbaale will have extra motivation as he lines up against his former club.
In other league fixtures today, BUL FC travel to Hoima to face Buhimba United Saints hoping to extend momentum from their recent goal-fest victory over Calvary.
Meanwhile at the MTN Omondi Stadium, title contenders NEC FC host UPPC Entebbe FC, coached by Abdallah Mubiru, who are looking to snap a three-match winless streak.
