Overview:

Maroons bounced back from their opening defeat with a gritty away victory over UPDF FC, while SC Villa’s search for a first league win of the season continued after being held 1-1 by newcomers Entebbe UPPC on Wednesday.

Wednesday, October 15 results

UPDF FC 1-2 Maroons 

SC Villa 1-1 Entebbe UPPC

Maroons got off the mark in this season’s StarTimes Uganda Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over UPDF at the Bombo Military Barracks Grounds on Wednesday afternoon, as action resumed following the international break.

The Prison Warders, who had narrowly lost to BUL on opening day, showed more balance and purpose this time — taking control early through Dickson Niwamanya’s 14th-minute strike after a neat exchange with Emmanuel Obua.

They doubled their advantage 11 minutes later when Rogers Kiwanuka beat Gaye Kalule, drove into the box and squared for Ivan Mayanja to tap into the roof of the net for a 2-0 half-time lead.

UPDF, buoyed by a point at Mbarara City in their previous outing, fought back after the break and pulled one back in the 53rd minute when Faridi Rashid connected home from a Joseph Janjali assist.

But Maroons held firm to secure all three points and their first victory of the season.

After Wednesday’s result, Maroons move up to eighth on three points from two matches, just above UPDF — who drop to ninth on the same tally but with an inferior goal difference. Both sides sit three points adrift of early leaders Buhimba Saints United.

Later in the evening, the floodlights came on at FUFA Stadium Kadiba — SC Villa’s new home — but the Jogoos’ search for a first win of the campaign continued.

Villa fell behind to Fazil Tumwine’s opportunistic 28th-minute strike as the visitors, Entebbe UPPC, looked to build on their 2-1 win over Lugazi FC. The Printers defended resolutely for long spells, frustrating the hosts despite sustained pressure.

However, Villa’s persistence paid off seven minutes from time when substitute Andrew Otim pounced to level matters and earn the record champions a share of the spoils.

The result leaves Villa second from bottom with a single point from two games, while UPPC climb to fifth on four points after three outings. League action resumes Thursday with two more fixtures on the card.