Villa overcome Maroons to close in on summit

SC Villa edged closer to the top of the League table after earning a hard fought 2-0 win over Maroons on Thursday at FUFA Kadiba Stadium.

Frank Ssebufu and substitute Andrew Otim scored a goal each to guide the Jogoos to victory.

Ssebufu scored just two minutes after kickoff while Otim who replaced the former headed home in the third minute of the four added to seal all three points.

Villa started on a bright note with Ssebufu tucking home from close distance when goalkeeper Richard Matovu parried the ball into his path.

Hassan Mubiru ignited the attack on the right, beating Godwin Kitagenda for pace before laying a cut back that was initially missed by Aslam Ssemakula but when Geoffrey Gagganga spot, the goalkeeper only puched the ball into the path of Ssebufu who tapped it into the back of the net.

Maroons were forced into making an early change with Raymond Walugembe stretchered off in the ninth minute after sustaining an injury and he was replaced by Rogers Kiwanuka.

In the 13th minute, Gagganga attempted from distance but his powerful strike went off target.

Maroons thereafter tried to get back into the game but lacked the composure and creativity going forward.

Three minutes to the half hour mark, Nicholas Kigozi made a goal-line clearance to deny Patrick Jonah Kakande after poor goalkeeping by Matovu.

A minute later, Najib Yiga was selfish and chose to go for goal instead of making a cut-back pass for his teammates. His effort into the side net.

In the second half, Villa made changes bringing on Elvis Ngonde to replace Yiga as a make-shift left back while Reagan Mpande replaced Kakande.

Maroons too went to the bench with Ivan Mayanja and Jackson Nunda coming on in place of Boris Onegi and Abel Eturude respectively.

Maroons kept probing in search for an equalizer but Villa remained resolute at the back.

Mpande had a good opportunity to double the advantage for the hosts in the 62nd minute when he went through on goal but his feeble effort was easily collected by goalkeeper Matovu.

The shot stopper minutes later made another fine save to deny Mubiru who beat Kitagendwa for pace again before stinging the hands of Matovu.

Otim replaced Ssebufu in the 84th minute and he put the game to bed nine minutes later heading from Mpande’s cross.

The result takes SC Villa to fourth place on 34 points while Maroons remain ninth on 18 points.

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