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SC Villa climbed to second place in the Uganda Premier League after battling to a 2-0 victory over Mbarara City at Muteesa II Stadium on Thursday.
Goals from Frank Ssebuufu and second-half substitute Najib Yiga proved enough for the Jogoos to collect maximum points and continue their impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign.
Villa needed only 10 minutes to find the breakthrough. Aslam Ssemakula’s low effort came off the woodwork before Ssebuufu reacted quickest to the loose ball and tucked away the rebound.
Mbarara City recovered from the early setback and gradually worked their way into the contest. The Ankole Lions tightened up defensively and managed to frustrate Villa for long spells, while also creating opportunities of their own going forward.
The visitors, however, lacked the cutting edge needed to turn their promising attacks into an equaliser.
Villa made an early adjustment before the interval, with Tony Asiku replacing Ibrahim Kasinde as the hosts looked to gain more control in midfield.
Najib Yiga was then introduced for Patrick Kalande at the start of the second half, but it was Mbarara City who initially took control after the restart.
Rogers Mugisha and Ivan Bogere both had opportunities as the visitors pushed Villa onto the back foot, although neither could make their chances count.
Mbarara City continued asking questions of the Jogoos’ defence, and goalkeeper David Lukwago was called into action in the 68th minute, producing a crucial close-range save to keep out Kanyike.
Lukwago’s evening ended shortly afterwards when he was forced off with an injury, paving the way for Hassan Matovu to take over in goal.
The Ankole Lions kept pushing for a way back into the contest, but their failure to convert their chances eventually proved costly.
With five minutes of normal time remaining, Yiga punished Mbarara City for failing to clear their lines, finding the net to give Villa breathing space and effectively seal the three points.
The victory takes SC Villa to 17 points from seven matches and lifts them into second place on the league table.
Mbarara City, meanwhile, remain 14th with five points from six outings as their difficult start to the season continues.
