Kampala, Uganda: SC Villa moved a step closer to the final of the Stanbic Uganda Cup after a commanding 2-0 victory over URA FC, while Kitara FC and Vipers SC played out a tense goalless draw in their semi-final first leg.
At Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, SC Villa delivered a clinical performance to secure a two-goal cushion against URA FC.
Najib Yiga opened the scoring from close range following a well-worked move involving Hassan Mubiru and Patrick Kakande. Villa then doubled their lead late on when sustained pressure forced URA defender Moses Okabo into an own goal.
Despite URA’s bright start and early chances, Villa remained organised and efficient, capitalising on key moments to take firm control of the tie ahead of the return leg.
Earlier, at Royal Park Butema, Kitara FC and Vipers SC settled for a 0-0 draw in a tightly contested encounter.
Kitara threatened early, with Patrick Henry Kaddu forcing a save from goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu in the fifth minute. Gaddafi Wahabu Sibira also tested the Vipers shot-stopper from distance.
Vipers suffered a setback before halftime when captain Milton Karisa was forced off due to injury and replaced by Joseph Marvin Youngman.
In the second half, Yunus Sentamu came close for Vipers, but his effort was denied by Meddie Kibirige, while Kitara’s Living Kabon was twice stopped by Kiggundu, including a late free-kick.
The stalemate leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende.
SC Villa now head into the second leg at FUFA Stadium Kadiba on May 16 with a strong advantage, while Kitara and Vipers will battle for supremacy in what remains an open contest.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
