Friday, September 15
•SC Villa 1-2 Kitara
•Bright Stars 0-1 BUL
•Mbarara City 0-1 NEC
Kitara marked their return to Uganda Premier League with a stunning 2-1 win over record league winners SC Villa at Wankulukuku.
An own goal from Elvis Ngonde right at the death was all Kitara needed to secure victory.
Denis Omedi had earlier put Kitara ahead before Charles Lwanga bundled in from close range before halftime.
SC Villa looked to have improved in the second half and were favourites to get a second as Kitara looked deflated.
But a defensive mix-up that involved Hamza Mulambuzi freed Kabon Living whose effort got a deflection from Ngonde to beat goalkeeper Norman Angufidru in Villa goal.
It was a hard one to concede by Villa, and especially with Ngonde who was the best player on the pitch.
Lacklustre SC Villa Punished
SC Villa had a slow start in the game and we’re pedestrians for better part of the first half.
This was not expected from a side that was supposed to be hungry after losing last season’s title on last day of the season.
After going a goal down, they got an equaliser through Lwanga who was at the right time to convert after Ngonde had protruded through Kitara defence.
They improved in the second half and had the better of chances and could have scored a couple. Abasi Kyeyune had a left footed shot punched out while Arnold Odong was denied by the keeper from corner.
There will be positives the new coach Dusan Stojanovic will take from the loss, but his midfielder is still lacking the creativity.
Gavin Kizito, Edward Masembe, Umar Lutalo, Jonah Kakande among others missed out for the Jogoos and the side will hope for better results when the injured players return.
Kitara off to a good start
Kitara won just three games in 2020/21 season when they were eventually relegated.
This promises to be an exciting season and with the quality they have, a place in top had of the table is within their reach.
They dominated opening proceedings and took everything at Villa before last season’s top scorer Omedi poked in the opening goal.
Coach Brian Ssenyondo has a lot of quality across his squad, with the likes of Crispus Kusiima, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Frank Zaga, Ibrahim Magandaazi, Paul Mucureezi, Kabon Living, Jude Ssemugabi among others posing with UPL experience.
Despite an unconvincing display in the second half, Kitara got the needed goal which was greeted by wild celebration by a big section of their travelling fans.
They could have got the second a bit earlier actually but substitute Ssemugabi was selfish when he broke free on the right only to go for power instead of passing to a free George Ssenkaaba.
But all that will not matter, it’s a perfect and dream start for the newcomers who will be hoping for more of these results.
What next – SC Villa visit Maroons in Luzira on September 24 while Kitara will welcome UPDF (former Brian Ssenyondo’s team) on September 22.
Players Used
SC Villa – Norman Angufidru, Kenneth Ssemakula, Arnold Odong, Hamza Mulambuzi, Peter Onzima, Elvis Ngonde, Abasi Kyeyune, Charles Lwanga, David Owori, Missi Diego Ssemugera, Aslam Ssemakuka
Kitara – Crispus Kusiima, Maxwell Owachigu, Ibrahim Magandaazi, Frank Tumwesigye, Jasper Aheebwa, Brian Aheebwa, Paul Mucureezi, Solomon Okwalinga, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Donato Okello, Denis Omedi
