Sports Club Villa put up probably their best performance in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League when they picked up their first home win this season.
The 16 time league winners beat archrivals Express 2-0 on Friday at Mandela National Stadium Namboole.
Bashir Mutanda was the main actor notching a brace in the process, that took his tally to nine in the season.
Express showed interest as early as the 16th minute but had Mubaraka Nsubuga to blame after he blocked striker Tony Odur’s goal bound shot unknowingly.
The former would have another chance to redeem himself a minute later in a one on one situation but Villa keeper Samuel Kivumbi made an important save.
Villa’s surge forward had the attack that led to the first goal in the 25th minute after Charles Lwanga made a brilliant run on the left but his poor finish suggested otherwise.
A minute later, centre back Yusuf Mukisa could have headed home off a corner kick at the near post but it went off target.
The captain of the day would then start the attack that led to the opener, sending a long ball further down on the right which was met by David Owor.
Owor then crossed in the box finding Bashir Mutanda who slotted home to send the Villa crowd into raptures after 28 minutes.
Villa took that lead into the break, after recess, it was evident Express had run out of options, Villa took charge, passing the visitors off the park and creating chances but failing to convert them away.
Left back Derrick Ndahiro who was one of the best performers on the day broke through on the left in the 62nd minute crossing to Mutanda who made no mistake scoring in similar fashion to double the lead.
With a comfortable 2-0 lead, Villa continued with wave after wave of attack. Mutanda Bashir could have got his hatrick but was denied by Express’ Ronald Mutebi who spilled the shot only for John Revita to clear it away.
Midfielder Mike Serumagga could have sealed the deal but was denied by the cross bar in added time.
The win was an important one according to Villa coach Douglas Bamweyana.
“I am happy we won, it was a good performance and the boys have worked hard for it, am optimistic we shall improve and get better going forward”.
Express coach Kefa Kisaala was disappointed with the performance.
“We allowed Villa to play their game, we could have pressed more” a crest fallen Kisaala said after the game.
The win is Villa’s second but the result their fourth clean sheet this season and takes them to 12 points but stay 12th on the log while Express maintain their 9th spot on 16 points.
