Sunday result
Express 1-2 SC Villa
Record 16-time national champions, SC Villa, went second on the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table following a 2-1 win over sworn rivals Express at Wankulukuku on Sunday.
Victory for the 10-man Villa brought the Jogoos firmly into the title contention as they now trail leaders KCCA by only four points.
KCCA lead standings on 35 points, although the Lugogo side have played a game fewer than Villa.
On their part, Express have now gone 10 games without victory.
The latest defeat leaves the Red Eagles in 11th place on 18 points after 17 matches.
Yet, the home outfit – Express – started the better side, going ahead on 33 minutes when forward Allan Kayiwa curled in a beautiful free kick from the edge of the box.
Villa responded only three minutes later. Forward Seif Batte controlled defender Edward Masembe’s long ball before setting on for unmarked midfielder David Owori to slot home.
Villa were then undone when goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige was sent off by referee Mashood Ssali for foolishly shoving an Express player to the ground on 57 minutes.
This forced Villa coach Jackson Magera to substitute forward Charles Bbale for goalkeeper Martin Elungat.
Yet it is still Villa who still carried the day despite their numerical disadvantage.
With 13 minutes left on the clock, Owori initiated an attack, threading a pass to Batte.
Batte calmly tucked it home for Villa to complete a double over their archrivals.