SC Villa drops points again with 1-1 draw against Maroons

Uganda Premier League 
Thursday Results
Maroons 1 SC Villa 1
UPDF 0 URA 0

Friday 
Kitara v BUL
Vipers v Police 
Saturday 
NEC v Wakiso Giants 
Mbale Heroes v KCCA 

SC Villa’s struggles in the Uganda Premier League continued with a 1-1 draw against Maroons at the Luzira Prisons ground on Thursday.

This marked the third consecutive match in which they have dropped points from a winning position.

Villa took an early lead against Vipers in Kitende, only to lose 2-1. They then let a 2-0 halftime lead slip against Bright Stars to draw 2-2. During Thursday's encounter in Luzira, a similar pattern unfolded as former KCCA player Jackson Nunda, who came on as a substitute, punished Villa’s sleeping defense by heading in a cross from Daniel Kitagenda to equalize in the 79th minute for Maroons.

Interim head coach Morley Byekwaso expressed frustration with his team’s recurring defensive mistakes, particularly in crucial moments. “It is frustrating to drop points from winning positions, and I understand the fans’ frustration. We are not happy either, but we are working hard, especially on improving our defense,” Byekwaso admitted.

Villa coach Morley Byekwaso talking to the press

He also acknowledged the impact of losing key players from their title-winning squad. "We lost some crucial players, and their absence is now being felt. The new players are still adjusting to our style of play, and it will take time. I ask the fans to be patient as we work to improve," he added.

Villa lost players such as Kenneth Ssemakula, Umar Lutalo, and Gavin Kizito, who were key in helping them win the 17th league title last season. Despite being the reigning champions, SC Villa currently sits seventh in the table with just eight points from six matches, leaving their fans visibly frustrated and calling for Byekwaso’s early resignation.

Maroons players celebrating after the final whistle

On the other side, Maroons’ assistant coach Simon Peter Ojok praised his team’s resilience to get back into the game and earn a point. "We improved our attacking in the second half and limited Villa’s chances. It is a good result, and we will build on it for our next games," Ojok said.

SC Villa will need to resolve their defensive issues as quickly as possible if they want to climb the standings and defend the title. Meanwhile, in Bombo, URA and UPDF played to a goalless stalemate.