The much-anticipated Kampala Derby between Uganda Premier League giants SC Villa and KCCA ended in a 2-2 draw on Wednesday afternoon at the Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku, offering more history than intensity in a fixture that once promised fireworks but has recently become a shadow of its past.
Despite their illustrious histories; Villa boasting a record 17 league titles and KCCA 13, both sides entered the tie with little more than pride at stake.
The defending champions Villa were marooned in 9th place on 38 points, 24 behind runaway leaders Vipers with only four matches remaining.
KCCA, meanwhile, came into the fixture in 5th place with 40 points, trailing the Venoms by 12 points.
In the build-up to the derby, Villa were buoyed by the return of key players David Owori, Arnold Odong, and Godfrey Lubangakene from injury.
The Jogoos had been winless in three straight league games and saw the derby as an opportunity not only to leapfrog their rivals into fifth place but also to reclaim some lost pride.
For KCCA, the clash followed a streak of four consecutive victories, including a Uganda Cup semi-final first-leg triumph over Kataka.
However, the on-pitch drama didn’t quite match the historical rivalry or the tactical subplots involving coaches Morley Byekwaso and Jackson Magera; both formerly associated with their opponents.
The stands at Wankulukuku told the story: sparsely filled with fans who have perhaps grown weary of high-stakes games that now lack consequence.
Nonetheless, the game did produce moments of excitement.
KCCA drew first blood in the 22nd minute through in-form forward Emmanuel Anyama, who coolly slotted home to continue his fine scoring run.
Villa responded in the 37th minute, when Charles Lwanga equalised, giving the home fans something to cheer about.
Just before halftime, Reagan Mpande converted from the penalty spot to put Jogoos ahead 2-1 at the break and in pole position for their first win over KCCA since 2020.
However, Anyama wasn’t done yet. The striker completed his brace in the 57th minute, bringing the Kasasiro Boys level with a composed finish that echoed his recent heroics against Kataka in the Uganda Cup.
The result mirrored the reverse fixture in December, which also ended in a draw (1-1), meaning neither side has managed to claim bragging rights over the other across the season.
For Villa, the failure to hold on to their lead at home may feel like a missed opportunity, while KCCA will take solace in their resilience shown.
