2025/26 Uganda Premier League | Thursday, January 8, 2026 | MD12
- Express 0-1 SC Villa
Express FC’s struggles in the Uganda Premier League continued on Friday night as they lost 1-0 to a disciplined SC Villa in the Kampala derby at Hamz Stadium, sliding to a third straight defeat.
Already bruised by heavy away losses to Entebbe UPPC and Maroons, Express hoped the derby would ignite a response. Instead, Villa arrived sharper, better organised and more decisive.
The game started cautiously on a wet, slippery pitch, with both sides finding rhythm hard to come by. Clear chances were few until Villa struck in the 15th minute.
Najib Yiga’s corner picked out Frank Ssebuufu, who rose unchallenged to head home, a simple but well worked goal that proved decisive.
Express tried to respond but lacked urgency. An early change on 26 minutes, bringing on Mikidad Ssenyonga for Yosia Kisa, did little to alter the pattern.
Despite seeing more of the ball, the Red Eagles struggled to threaten.
Their best first half chance came in the 38th minute when Muhammad Ssenoga broke through, only to be denied by Villa goalkeeper David Lukwago, who stood firm with his feet.
Villa remained comfortable and went into the break deservedly ahead.
After halftime, the story hardly changed. Express enjoyed possession but lacked cutting edge, while Lukwago dealt comfortably with hopeful efforts.
Villa refreshed their midfield and attack to keep their intensity high as frustration grew among the home side, reflected in Ashraf Mbaziira’s booking and grumbles from the stands.
Express came closest in the 75th minute when Ssenyonga fired in a long-range effort that forced Lukwago into a sharp save, but it was a rare scare.
Villa stayed disciplined, slowed the game and saw out the result with maturity.
The defeat leaves Express 11th with 12 points and deepens concerns at Wankulukuku where the faithfuls stage and Nakivubo. Villa, meanwhile, climb to third on 26 points, level with KCCA FC.
Express next host Buhimba United Saints on January 23, while Villa face a tough away trip to BUL FC a day earlier.
Matchday 12 concludes on Tuesday, January 13, with URA hosting Entebbe UPPC at the Hamz Stadium, where Hussein Mbalangu goes head to head with Abdallah Mubiru in a compelling dugout duel, a fixture that carries shades of last season’s NEC versus KCCA FC rivalry and promises a fitting finale to the round.
