Sheif Batte’s 82-minute strike was all SC Villa needed to edge Blacks Power in a 1-0 hard-fought victory in the Star Times Uganda Premier League at Akii-Bua Stadium, Lira.
This was a second successive victory for the Jogoos after another 1-0 win over Maroons FC on Sunday after a black November.
Blacks Power seemed the better team of the two but were not sharp enough to penetrate past Villa’s solid defensive line commanded by assistant captain Gift Fred.
Dickens Okwir nearly placed the hosts ahead with a low effort off a 360° swift turn but it missed the target by inches.
Meddie Kibirige was brought to duty calming away Daniel Otim’s fierce long-range effort.
Six minutes past half an hour mark, Bronson Nsubuga went through a forest of legs before pulling off a traveling effort but it skied above the frame.
At the start of the second stanza, Blacks Power made a double change introducing John Paul Acire and Francis Onekalit to replace Okwir and John Okello.
Villa came back energized imposing instant pressure onto Blacks Power through Patrick Kakande and Charles Bbaale.
However, the big moment of the game came as late as the 82nd minute as Batte placed the ball in the back of the net past custodian Tonny Kamera.
The victory sends Villa back to the fifth position with 20 points while Blacks Power is 12th with nine points.
In the following fixtures, Villa will host UPDF FC while Blacks Power will visit Gaddafi on Sunday, November 11.
How they lined up
Blacks Power XI: Tonny Kyamera (GK), Ivan Okello, Ahmed Amayo, Daniel Otim, Ronald Musana, Simon Opio, Micheal Siwu, Dicken Okwir, Mujahid Ogama, Bronson Nsubuga, Peter Otto
Substitutes: Emmanuel Odongo, Jimmy Ndalambi, Francis Onekalit, Franco Onen, Stephen Otheino, John Acire
Villa XI: Meddie Kibirige (GK), Fred Agandu, Hassan Musana, Gift Fred, Edward Masembe, Pistis Barege, Ivan Sserubiri, Patrick Kakande, Sheif Batte, Umar Lutalo, Charles Bbaale
Substitutes: Martin Elungat, Travis Mutyaba, Mohammed Nsereko, Frank Kalule, Ivan Bogere, Joseph Kafumbe
