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Villa sorrow spills into New Year

SC Villa striker Charles Lwanga (14) is going through a mini-goal dorught. PHOTO/EDDIE CHICCO 

What you need to know:

SC Villa will look to key protagonists Patrick Kakande and Hakim Kiwanuka to replicate the spark they exhibited with the Uganda Cranes in the Chan campaign as they strive to close the first round on a high. 

SC Villa’s StarTimes Uganda Premier League title defence is hanging by a thread, as the reigning champions appear to gradually be losing their fight and rhythm. 

Without a win in four matches, the Jogoos sit a dismal eighth on the log with just 17 points from 13 games.

Ahead of a daunting clash on Saturday at the Luzira Prison Grounds against Alex Isabirye’s rejuvenated URA - fourth with 21 points - the pressure is mounting.

Meanwhile, second-placed Nec, on 27 points from 13 matches, are hitting all the right notes, closing in on table-toppers Vipers. 

For Morley Byekwaso, whose unpredictable Villa side has faltered against Nec, Lugazi, Police, and KCCA after hammering Wakiso Giants 6-1 , today’s encounter is a must-win if he is to restore his side’s confidence. 

Fresh tax rules

URA, on the other hand, have been quietly turning their fortunes around, with victories over Wakiso Giants, Express, and Lugazi, as well as a hard-fought draw against Nec in their last four outings. 

These results have breathed new life into Alex Isabirye’s camp, and they are eager to kick off the new year on a high. 

Facing an out-of-sorts SC Villa presents the perfect opportunity, especially considering URA's dominance in recent encounters, having lost to the Jogoos once in  their last six meetings.

Ahimbisibwe goals

In a clash that showcased sibling rivalry in the dugouts recently, Isabirye’s Tax Collectors edged Steven Bogere’s Lugazi, thanks to the lively Ivan Ahimbisibwe. 

The in-form striker, is second on the goal charts with nine strikes, delivered yet again in the 24th minute, latching onto Joseph Ssemujju’s incisive pass and coolly slotting past Lugazi custodian Fahad Emuran.

URA, often plagued by inconsistency this season, showed resolve and shut down a Lugazi side famed for late comebacks in recent outings. 

If Isabirye’s charges can keep banking on Ahimbisibwe’s heroics, they might yet make a bold statement in the title race.

Seekiganda missed

SC Villa will look to key protagonists Patrick Kakande and Hakim Kiwanuka to replicate the spark they exhibited with the Uganda Cranes in the Chan campaign as they strive to close the first round on a high. 

However, the absence of captain Ronald Ssekiganda, whose commanding presence in midfield has been sorely missed, continues to cast a shadow over Byekwaso’s plans. 

His injury leaves a void that could prove decisive in today’s midfield battle against URA, where control in the engine room might ultimately determine the outcome.

Mbalangu faces wounded Lions

Nec boss Hussein Mbalangu is unlikely to break a sweat as his side hosts struggling Mbarara City, his former pay masters, currently 14th with 12 points under Livingstone Mbabazi tutelage.

In their goalless stalemate against Wakiso Giants on Monday at Kakyeka, the Ankore Lions’ forward duo of Henry Kitegenyi and Joseph Akandwanaho were guilty of shocking wastefulness in front of goal.

This inefficiency could be ruthlessly exploited by the no-nonsense Soldiers at Lugogo.