Onekalit fires SC Villa back to winning ways

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SC Villa secured a crucial 1-0 victory over URA at Luzira Prisons Grounds on Saturday to record their first clean sheet in seven games and only the second in 14 Uganda Premier League matches this season.

Francis Onekalit's decisive goal in the 62nd minute, assisted by Tony Atukunda’s impressive run and pinpoint pass, earned Villa their first win in five games.

Onekalit, stepping in for suspended Charles Lwanga, celebrated his maiden goal for the club.

The result propelled Villa to seventh place with 20 points, trailing league leaders Vipers by 11 points after 14 matches.

Villa’s ability to hold onto a slim lead for the first time this season was a highlight for head coach Morley Byekwaso.

He praised his players' defensive resilience and fighting spirit but acknowledged the need for reinforcements during the January transfer window.

“Our defending has been poor in the opening games; we have gifted goals to opponents. We also need depth in midfield and a clinical striker,” Byekwaso said.

Elsewhere, Vipers and NEC remained neck and neck in the title race.

This is after the Venoms maintained their lead at the top of the table with a gritty 1-0 win over UPDF despite playing the second half with 10 men after Derrick Ndahiro’s red card.

SC Villa's coach Morley Byekwaso (right) and URA's coach Alex Isabirye share pleasantries before their UPL match at the Prisons ground, Luzira, January 4, 2025. Villa won 1-0. (Photo by Michael Nsubuga)

In the game played on Friday in Bombo, Allan Okello scored the goal that secured all three points.

NEC also kept pressure on Vipers with a controversial 1-0 victory against Mbarara City at Lugogo.

Paul Mucureezi converted an 81st-minute penalty, which Mbarara players argued was awarded after a dive by Allan Mugalu.

With 14 games played, Vipers lead the table with 31 points, followed by NEC on 30, and KCCA in third with 24.