Kagame Cup : SC Villa keep semi-final hopes alive with big win over Singida

CECAFA Kagame Cup

Friday
Villa 3-1 Singida

Monday 
Villa v APR FC
1:00PM

Sports Club Villa registered their first win in the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup, defeating Singida Black Stars from Tanzania 3-1.

This victory keeps their semi-final hopes alive in the tournament.

After a goalless draw in their opener against El Merriekh Bentiu FC of South Sudan, Villa's coach Dusan Stojanovic made strategic changes to the lineup.

Elvis Ngonde replaced the injured Ronald Sekiganda in midfield, while new signings Isaac Mpagi and Reagan Mpande took the places of Hakim Kiwanuka and Charles Lwanga respectively.

The beginning of the first half saw a goalless stalemate, with neither team able to break the deadlock. However, just before halftime, Najib Yiga scored Villa's first goal of the tournament, courtesy of a Reagan Mpande assist.

The second half saw Villa dominate, with Patrick Kakande converting a penalty in the 52nd minute to double their lead.

Reagan Mpande, nicknamed the "Mixologist," scored Villa's third goal in the 56th minute, courtesy of a cross from David Owori.

Singida Black Stars pulled one back through Captain Marouf Tchakeh's free kick in the 60th minute, but Villa held on for a convincing 3-1 win.

Yiga's impressive performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

With this victory, Villa will face APR FC of Rwanda on Monday in their final group C match to determine who tops the group.