SC Villa Thrash Mbarara City to Kickstart Title Defense

Champions SC Villa began their Startimes Uganda Premier League defense with an electrifying 4-2 win over Mbarara City at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

SC Villa’s Explosive Start

In an emphatic display, SC Villa showcased their dominance from the start, with Arnold Odong opening the scoring just eight minutes in. He connected brilliantly with Elvis Ngonde’s free kick, heading the ball past the Mbarara City keeper. This early goal set the tone for a thrilling first half.

First Half Dominance

Midfielder Elvis Ngonde quickly doubled the lead in the 18th minute, striking a sensational 35-yard effort after a dazzling run by playmaker Patrick Kakande. Ngonde’s goal was a testament to Villa’s attacking verve, maintaining the flair that saw them crowned champions last season.

Kakande’s Masterclass

League MVP Patrick Kakande continued to shine, controlling the midfield with ease. His solo effort just after the break was sublime, dribbling past defenders and netting a goal from a tight angle to make it 3-0. Kakande’s brilliance solidified his reputation as a key player in Villa’s arsenal.

Late Goals and Defensive Lapses

Despite SC Villa’s dominance, complacency crept in during the final stages of the match. Mbarara City’s Seiri Arigumaho and Paul Busolo capitalized on defensive errors to pull two goals back, but by then, the damage was already done.

Morley Byekwaso’s Debut Reflections

New head coach Morley Byekwaso will be pleased with the attacking display but concerned about the defensive lapses that allowed Mbarara City to score twice. Nevertheless, SC Villa’s 4-2 victory provides an encouraging start to their title defense.

Conclusion

SC Villa’s opening match of the Startimes Uganda Premier League delivered a thrilling reminder of their dominance in Ugandan football. While their attacking prowess remains intact, scoring four goals with relative ease, the defensive lapses late in the game provide areas for improvement. Coach Morley Byekwaso will undoubtedly address these issues, but the overall performance bodes well for a strong title defense. SC Villa’s fans can expect more thrilling moments as the season progresses, with stars like Patrick Kakande and Elvis Ngonde continuing to shine.