Sunday, October 2
*SC Villa 2-0 Gaddafi
SC Villa got off the mark in their opening 2022/23 Uganda Premier League game of the season.
The Jogoos, hosting at Wankulukuku, claimed a 2-0 win over Gaddafi Modern to clinch maximum points thanks to goals from Gift Fred and Charles Bbaale.
Gift Fred scored the opener, heading home from a well weighed corner kick from Fred Agandu in the 17th minute.
But the Jogoos had to survive nervy moments in a second half they barely threatened.
Gaddafi twice hit the post as they searched for an equaliser in vain, but SC Villa sealed all points when Bbaale tapped home from close range after goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa had spilled Ivan Sserubiri’s free-kick.
SC Villa Still Work In Progress
The victory provides a glimmer of hope but this team is far from convincing.
The 2-0 result is very deceptive given the manner in which Villa chased shadows for the entire second half.
But coach Jackson Magera and his assistant Ibrahim Kirya will feel proud for their boys after getting the job done despite not being at their best.
Martin Elungat was a suspect in goal and could have conceded recklessly after spilling easy catches.
But Ivan Sserubiri was unbothered in centre back, despite not being his preferred position. Gift was named player of the match after his goal and dirty work back in defence.
But Villa’s will manifest with how ease they can get the goals; Sheif Batte started up front, and he is not a reputable goal scorer while Ivan Bogere barely made an impact.
And there are lots of questions in their creative department, although Midfielder Frank Kalule has more room to improve.
Fred Agandu had his corner kick almost find the back of the net but it was parried out by Mutakubwa.
And the subsequent corner found a well positioned Gift Fred who did no mistake.
Hassan Musana had a chance to double the advantage in the second half but was denied by the woodwork and what followed was sustained attacks from the Visitors.
And Villa sealed it later with substitute Bbaale who was at the right place at the right time to score from close range in added time.
It was a well attended game, with SC Villa president Omar Mandela present and talked with the technical team right before the second half.
False Start for Gaddafi
Gaddafi will feel hard done by the result after dominating the second stanza.
They were at the wrong end of a refereeing decision when they were not awarded a penalty after Sserubiri looked to have handled the ball in the area.
And it was in that melee that Alex Kitata’s was initially denied by a good save.
Kitata was one of the six starters for Gaddafi who have played for SC Villa, the others are Ibrahim Kiyemba, Shafic Bakaki, Nicholas Kasozi, Mahad Yaya and Simon Sserunkuma.
Sserunkuma twice shot wide while Kitata arrived late to miss a neat loss pass from Johnson Odongo as the Visitors tried to find an early opening.
Richard Bassangwa also had a chance of his own when he cut inside, only to send his left footed effort wide.
Mahad Yaya rattled the post and so did Johnson Odongo from free-kick, and it wasn’t a day for Gaddafi.
Coach Wasswa Bbosa will remain hopeful that better days are ahead, and will have better options if David Bagoole, Chrispus Kusiima and Godfrey Lwesibawa are available, the latter is with Sand Cranes.
What Next – SC Villa face Onduparaka who will be hosting at Bombo on Friday while Gaddafi will sit out match day two before hosting Onduparaka on October 12.
Players Used
SC Villa – Martin Elungat, Gift Fred, Joseph Kafumbe, Davis Ssekajja, Hassan Musana, Frank Kalule, Pistis Barenge, Fred Agandu, Ivan Sserubiri, Ivan Bogere, Sheif Batte
Gaddafi – Joel Mutakubwa, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Andrew Waiswa, Shafic Bakaki, Nicholas Kasozi, Richard Basangwa, Mahad Yaya, Alex Kitata, Johnson Odongo, Simon Sserunkuma
