Uganda Premier League
SC Villa 1-0 BUL
Sports club Villa ensured they cemented their stay at the top of the table with a slim victory against BUL football club.
Playing at Masaka Recreation ground for the second time, SC Villa managed to edge past a resilient BUL 1-0 thanks to Emma Okwi’s second half penalty.
SC Villa lacked the cutting edge the entire game but Okwi converted from the spot kick after defender Paul Kisige handled the ball in the forbidden area.
Villa began the better side and almost took the lead as early as the 4th minute but Ambrose Kirya’s effort ricocheted off the woodwork.
A run ignited through the midfield by Abel Eturude saw him release Martin Kiiza on the left, the enterprising winger laid up Kirya but his effort hit the woodwork.
Okwi also had another chance at the 17th minute mark but goalkeeper Paul Mujampani was in place to save.
The visitors’ best effort came three minutes later off Hakim Magombe’s effort from a corner that was headed for goal but goalkeeper Samson Kiirya parried the ball away.
There was a call for a penalty at the half hour mark when Okwi lashed onto a long ball and got to it before goalkeeper Mujampani and the latter seemed to have blocked Okwi but referee Rajab Bakasambe who blew the whistle instead didn’t call a foul on either and opted for fair play.
The decisive moment came in the 66th minute when Okwi stepped up to convert a penalty after defender Paul Kisige handled the ball inside the box.
BUL were reduced to ten men with midfielder Patrick Ssembuya sent off after a foul on Okwi with four minutes to time.
Okwi didn’t return to the pitch with his right hand seemingly twisted.
The result means SC Villa stay top with 47 points while BUL remain 12th on the table with 23 points, just one above the drop zone.
SC Villa Starting XI
Samson Kirya, Joseph Nsubuga, John Adriko, Henry Katongole, Paul Mbowa, Ayub Kisalita, Godfrey Lwesibawa Abel Eturude, Emma Okwi, Ambrose Kirya, Martin Kiiza
BUL starting XI
Paul Mujampani, Fred Agandu, Hakim Magombe, Paul Kisige, Derrick Walulya, Patrick Ssembuya, Yuda Mugalu, Godfrey Buni, Fahad Bardiro, David Bagoole, Yesseri Waibi