By 
SC Villa produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Mbarara City FC 3-1 at Rwamwanja Stadium on Wednesday evening, inspired by a game-changing performance from substitute Charles Lwanga.
Introduced late in the contest, Lwanga completely shifted the momentum in Villa’s favour, scoring twice and providing an assist in a remarkable cameo that kept the defending champions firmly in the Uganda Premier League title conversation.
Mbarara City had controlled much of the game before the turnaround. The hosts looked sharper in attack, enjoyed more threatening moments in possession and consistently troubled the Villa backline, while the visitors struggled to impose themselves going forward.
Villa believed they had taken the lead during the first half through Geoffrey Gagganga, but the effort was ruled out after Frank Ssebufu was penalised for handball in the buildup.
The sides went into halftime level at 0-0, though Mbarara City appeared the more dangerous team.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 67th minute when Clinton Kamugisha calmly found the back of the net to send the home supporters into celebration.
However, Villa responded almost immediately.
Moments after replacing Hassan Mubiru, Lwanga restored parity in the 69th minute after reacting quickest inside the area. The forward struck again five minutes later, punishing hesitant defending to complete a dramatic turnaround for the visitors.
Villa took full control after going ahead and sealed the victory in the 81st minute when Lwanga provided the assist for Andrew Otim to add the third goal.
The victory moves SC Villa onto 55 points, six behind league leaders Vipers SC with only two matches left to play this season.
Villa next face NEC FC before concluding their campaign at home against UPDF FC.
