URA FC edge Express to claim Nakivubo bragging rights; SC Villa’s struggles persist

StarTimes Uganda Premier League

Results – Friday, December 13, 2024

SC Villa 1-1 Police FC

Express FC 1-2 URA FC

URA FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Express FC at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Friday, marking only their second win at the venue. On the same day, SC Villa’s poor run of form continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Police FC at Wankulukuku.

Goals from former Express star Enock Walusimbi and in-form striker Ivan Ahimbisibwe earned URA all three points, while Express’s Sam Ssenyonjo scored a consolation for the Red Eagles from the penalty spot.

Match recap

The Tax Collectors took the lead in the 41st minute when Walusimbi rose highest to nod in a perfectly delivered corner from Moses Aliro. The former Express captain showed no mercy against his old side, silencing the home fans.

Five minutes into the second half, URA capitalized on another defensive lapse from Express. Ahimbisibwe, continuing his rich vein of form was on hand to finish after a failed clearance from a URA corner.

Express rallied and pulled one back in the 61st minute when Sam Ssenyonjo won and converted a penalty, giving his side hope of a comeback. However, URA’s defense held firm to secure a vital three points.

Video: Express FC 1-2 URA FC highlights

Impact on the table

The win, URA’s fifth in 12 games, lifted them four places to fifth on 18 points eight behind league leaders NEC. Express who were tasting defeat for the first time in six matches under interim coach Badru Kaddu remain third with 19 points.

Elsewhere at Wankulukuku

In the day’s early kickoff, SC Villa’s struggles deepened as they failed to hold on to a first-half lead, drawing 1-1 with Police FC.

Patrick Kakande put Villa ahead in the 25th minute, converting a penalty after Charles Lwanga was fouled in the box. However, Police snatched a point when James Brian Obedi netted an equalizer from the spot with just seven minutes left.

Video: SC Villa 1-1 Police FC

The result sees Villa drop to ninth on 16 points, extending their winless run to three games following a 1-1 draw with Lugazi and a 2-1 loss to NEC. Police climbed to sixth, one point ahead of Villa.

URA will be looking to build on this momentum, while Express and SC Villa must regroup quickly to stay in touch with the top of the table.