BUL edge SC Villa to extend Isabirye’s perfect start

Friday result

BUL 2-1 SC Villa

BUL continued their upward curve in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League with a hard-earned 2–1 win over SC Villa on Friday evening at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, extending their impressive start to life under new head coach Alex Isabirye.

The hosts, who have now won two in a row under Isabirye, settled quickly and earned an early opportunity in the 15th minute when Nicolas Mwere stepped up to take a promising free-kick, though the left-back failed to trouble the target.

With temperatures soaring, the centre referee ordered a cooling break in the 25th minute to allow both sides brief respite.

BUL eventually broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute.

Alex Kitata rose highest to nod home Walter Ochora’s long throw, giving the hosts a deserved lead.

SC Villa nearly responded just before the interval, but Patrick Kakande’s goal-bound effort was dramatically cleared off the line.

Early in the second half, Kitata was involved in a heavy collision with Villa goalkeeper David Lukwago, though both players recovered after treatment.

Villa drew level in the 65th minute through Reagan Mpande, who reacted quickest to guide the ball home after Tom Ikara’s initial save.

BUL, however, struck back five minutes later when Lukwago misjudged Mwere’s delivery, allowing the ball to end up in the net.

The win lifts BUL to eighth on 16 points, while SC Villa remain fourth with 26 points after 13 matches.

League action continues on Saturday with a double header involving Express versus Buhimba and URA at home to Vipers SC headlining the day