By 
SC Villa reclaimed top spot in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League on Saturday evening after battling to a hard-fought 1–1 draw with defending champions Vipers SC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The Jogoos returned to the summit on goal difference, capping a disciplined performance in one of the league’s most anticipated early-season clashes. KCCA FC are second on 17 points same as the leaders.
A closely contested encounter saw the defending champions’ perfect start in the league come to an end with SC Villa writing an early statement in title race battle.
SC Villa made the breakthrough in the 67th minute as second-half substitute Frank Ssebuufu rose to the occasion, calmly finishing after a well-timed pass from Ssemayange. The goal ignited the contest and briefly silenced the home fans.
Vipers responded with characteristic resilience, just five minutes from conceding, Usama Arafat restored parity, turning in a neat finish after clever buildup play orchestrated by Allan Okello. The equaliser came after a sustained spell of Vipers pressure, showcasing their attacking depth and determination.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but disciplined defending and a lack of cutting-edge ensured the points were shared. The draw keeps the top of the table tight, but Villa now unbeaten in six games walk away with renewed confidence and a psychological boost in the title race.
The stalemate may not have delivered the fireworks many expected, but it underscored the growing rivalry between two of Uganda’s football giants while setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested season.
