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SC Villa moved a step closer to the Uganda Cup final after securing a convincing 2-0 win over URA FC in the first leg of their semifinal clash on Monday evening at Nakivubo Stadium.
Goals from Najib Yiga and a late own goal by Moses Aliro handed the Jogoos a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg.
Villa struck first in the 26th minute when Hassan Mubiru showed great skill to beat his defender before picking out Yiga, who calmly finished from close range with his left foot.
The hosts wrapped up the victory in stoppage time after sustained pressure from Andrew Otim forced a costly defensive error. Aliro’s attempted back pass caught goalkeeper Crispus Kusiima off guard and rolled straight into the net.
The decisive second leg is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at FUFA Stadium Kadiba, where both teams will battle for a place in the final.
SC Villa now appear firmly in command of the tie and will head into the return leg full of confidence.
Despite the setback, URA still have reason to believe after previously recovering from a two-goal deficit to knock out KCCA FC in the quarterfinals.
However, overturning the result against Villa could prove even more difficult, especially at Kadiba, where the Tax Collectors were beaten 3-0 in a league meeting earlier this campaign.
URA nearly found the breakthrough before Villa scored, but Joseph Ssemujju failed to hit the target after getting past David Owori from a tight angle.
Their clearest chance arrived in the 67th minute when goalkeeper David Lukwago produced a brilliant low save to keep out Dissan Galiwango’s well-taken free kick.
As URA searched desperately for an equalizer late in the game, poor communication between Aliro and Kusiima led to the own goal that left Hussein Mbalangu’s side with a huge task ahead.
Villa, meanwhile, are beginning to dream of winning a long-awaited 10th Uganda Cup title.
In the other semifinal, Vipers SC will host Kitara FC at Kitende on May 15 after the first leg in Hoima ended in a goalless draw.
