Record champions SC Villa bounced back from a goal down to overcome Express FC 2-1 in a thrilling Uganda Premier League (UPL) Kampala derby on Friday.
Dimunitive playmaker Patrick Kakande, who scored the equalizer for Villa, expressed his delight with the victory, highlighting the team’s fighting spirit and tactical discipline.
“We came with better fighting spirit to win the game. We also followed what the coaches told us. Defeating Express is big statement from the players. It’s also going to movitate us in our next games,” noted Kakande.
The match started brightly with Express taking the lead in the 14th minute through Alpha Ssali‘s deflected effort after a good through ball by Isaac Wagoina.
However, Villa responded as Kakande leveled the scores in the 35th minute from a seemingly offside position following a good buildup.
Villa continued their momentum in the second half, earning a penalty in the 63rd minute after Abbel Muwanguzi fouled Ronald Ssekiganda. Forward Umar Lutalo stepped up and converted the penalty flawlessly, putting Villa in the lead for the first time in the game.
The win pushed Villa to 6th place in the league table with 16 points, three points ahead of 7th-placed Express. Meanwhile, BUL FC remains firmly in the lead with 25 points.
For Express, this was their sixth game without a win, further highlighting the challenges faced by their new coach, Alex Isabirye.
Isabirye was appointed just before the match, replacing James Odoch who was dismissed due to poor results. He was joined on the bench by club legend Hassan Mubiru, who had been serving as interim coach.
Looking ahead, Villa will be aiming to continue their climb up the table, while Express will be desperate to secure their first win under Isabirye’s leadership.
