Lethal finisher Frank Ssebuufu opened his account at SC Villa with a classy header that proved to be the winner in a 1–0 victory over Kitara FC at FUFA Kadiba Stadium on Thursday night.
In a game that produced few clear chances for either side, SC Villa looked sharper and more composed than the visitors, who heavily relied on goalkeeper Medi Kibirige, as he pulled off three or four crucial saves to keep his team in contention.
In the first half, Najib Yiga forced Kibirige into a save that resulted in a corner. Yiga delivered the ensuing set piece himself, picking out Samuel Ssemayange, whose header went straight into the hands of the alert goalkeeper.
The game remained cagey at the start of the second half until Ssebuufu was introduced to replace Ibrahim Kasinde, a change that saw Reagan Mpande shift to a wider role.
Ssebuufu’s presence in central attack gave SC Villa an aerial edge, which eventually paid off in the 66th minute when Hassan Mubiru whipped in a cross that the new signing expertly headed home.
With a 1–0 lead, SC Villa pushed for a second, introducing Elvis Ngonde, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Geoffrey Gaganga, and Joram Otim, but couldn’t find another breakthrough as Kitara’s defensive duo Isa Lumu and Murushid Juuko stood firm.
The victory marked SC Villa’s third consecutive win of the season, following triumphs over Police FC and Buhimba Saints, and their third in five games.
With a game in hand, SC Villa now sits third on the table with 10 points, just one point behind the top two. Meanwhile, Kitara FC drops to eighth with 7 points from five matches.
SC Villa will next face NEC FC in two weeks’ time at the FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, while Kitara FC will host Bul FC in Hoima.
