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The visitors almost stunned Wankulukuku into silence by taking the lead after just 72 seconds, with Rogers Kiwanuka almost benefiting from a fumbled clearance from goalkeeper Denis Otim, only to be denied by the upright.
Seif Batte’s 77th-minute winner secured a huge 2-1 win over Express FC for SC Villa in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, whilst also extending the Red Eagles’ winless run in the league to 10 games.
The game had a frantic start, as both sides drew their best hand in absolute derby spirit, with the first real opportunity coming directly from kick-off.
The visitors almost stunned Wankulukuku into silence by taking the lead after just 72 seconds, with Rogers Kiwanuka almost benefiting from a fumbled clearance from goalkeeper Denis Otim, only to be denied by the upright.
Eventually, the hosts did wake up though and began to assert pressure on the Villa goal, as they progressively came closer to unlocking the Villa defence in the opening quarter-hour of the first half.
Boban Zirintusa placed Allan Kayiwa’s cross over the crossbar, Marvin Oshaba headed wide and Faisal Ssekyanzi failed to hit the target when presented with an opportunity from Medi Kibirige’s wacky clearance.
Kibirige was lucky to escape any disciplinary action for a kick on Marvin Oshaba in the build-up to that moment.
Express eventually took the lead in the 34th minute, through Allan Kayiwa whose perfectly executed free kick completely caught Kibirige flat footed as it flew into the top left corner.
But it wasn’t long before the Jogoo were on level terms. Following a short spell of quick passing, Oryem Tabu’s cross picked out Batte at the far post whose cutback was finished by David Owori with aplomb.
The two sides continued to play at a frantic pace after the interval, but this time Villa was reduced to ten men at the hour mark when Kibirige this time was punished for a ludicrous push on Oshaba outside his area after he had cleared the ball.
The pendulum completely swung in the Red Eagles’ favour who were presented with numerous opportunities to take the lead inside the final 20 minutes.
Ziirintusa again failed to provide the required touch on Ssekyanzi’s cross, Marvin Oshaba shot straight at Martin Elungat who had been brought in in goal, while Ssekyanzi’s penalty appeal did not move Mashood Ssali.
At that point, a winning goal looked inevitable for Express, but Batte had other ideas, as he provided the finishing touch on Owori’s low cross, extending Express’ winless run to ten games.
SC Villa meanwhile climbs into second on the table after back-to-back victories on 31 points, five points behind leaders KCCA.
Express remains 11th on the table with 18 points, six points above the relegation zone. Both teams now turn their focus to the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Express hosts Paidha Black Angels on Wednesday, March 15, while SC Villa has to navigate their cup replay against cup holders BUL FC with Onduparaka in the waiting for the round of 16.
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