SC Villa and URA picked up crucial 1-0 victories on Saturday, with Patrick Jonah Kakande and Moses Aliro delivering match-winning moments in their respective tightly contested Uganda Premier League fixtures.
At Luzira, SC Villa edged Express in the Kampala Derby, with Kakande’s second-half penalty proving decisive.
The Jogoos avenged previous results against their rivals after Express defender Ashraf Mbazira’s handball gifted them a golden opportunity from the spot.
Kakande stepped up and buried his effort, securing Villa’s first win of the second round following a 1-1 draw with Wakiso Giants.
Despite dominating possession, Villa struggled to create clear-cut chances but showed resilience at the back to protect their slim lead.
Express had their moments, with Muhammad Kagawa, who was facing his former club, missing a golden chance when clean through on goal.
Richard Basangwa came close with a volley, while Geoffrey Gagganga’s powerful effort was brilliantly denied by Villa goalkeeper Norman Angufidru, who pulled off a crucial double save.
While the derby carried historical significance, the fixture lacked its usual intensity and was played in front of a sparse crowd.
Nevertheless, Villa’s victory lifts them to 24 points after 27 matches, closing the gap on Express, who sit just one point ahead.
Meanwhile, at Nakivubo, URA returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Maroons.
Moses Aliro’s diving header in the 30th minute secured the three points for the tax collectors after a pinpoint cross from Nyarwa Bitanywaine Olimi.
The winger had an impressive outing, nearly opening the scoring earlier when he dribbled past goalkeeper Simon Tamale, only for his shot to be heroically blocked by Rogers Kiwanuka.
Ivan Ahimbisibwe thought he had doubled URA’s lead, but his effort was ruled out for offside in a game where both sides struggled to carve out clear-cut opportunities.
Maroons pushed for an equaliser in the dying moments, with substitute Ivan Mayanja forcing a fingertip save from URA goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa.
The win lifts URA to third place on the league table with 27 points from 17 matches, solidifying their position among the title contenders.
Maroons, who suffered their sixth defeat of the season, remain eighth with 23 points and will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
The Uganda Premier League action continues on Sunday, with a highly anticipated clash between Vipers and KCCA at the MTN Omondi Stadium, while NEC takes on Police at Kavumba Recreation Grounds.
Other fixtures will see Lugazi host Wakiso Giants at 3 PM in Lugazi, while BUL will take on Mbale Heroes at 4 PM in Njeru.
