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With title rivals KCCA FC losing to URA FC in the earlier game, and with Vipers still having four games in hand over them, the Jogoo knew there was little margin for error.
SC Villa’s pursuit of a first Uganda Premier League title since 2004, showed the earliest signs of slowing down as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arua Hill at the Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.
With title rivals KCCA FC losing to URA FC in the earlier game, and with Vipers still having four games in hand over them, the Jogoo knew there was little margin for error.
Yet, despite the magnitude of the contest, Villa did not make the best of the opportunity as they suffered their first defeat in 11 games, and first home defeat since November 2022.
The Leopards struck early, Innocent Media clinically swept home past Martin Elungat inside the opening five minutes, as the Villa defence was caught napping from a Geriga Atendele cross.
The home side managed to claw back from their slow start, showing attacking intent, but for all their attacking prowess, they failed to find a lifeline before halftime.
The second half followed a similar tale to the first, with the Jogoo on the front foot, but still failing to master a way through the Arua Hill defence.
The record UPL winners had a plethora of chances, first Joseph Kafumbe shot straight at goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa from a tight angle.
Villa captain Gift Fred thought he had breached the Leopards’ water tight defence, but his effort from close range was clawed off the goal line by left back Richard Matovu.
Shortly after, Kafumbe was denied by the cross bar, with the ball falling for Charles Bbaale, with the forward’s shot also tipped onto the cross bar by Omedwa, as Villa was resigned to their fate.
Villa maintain their five point lead at the top of the standings on 43 points, but with Vipers winning their game against UPDF, they now move to within eight points of the leaders.
Arua Hill move into sixth on the table on 30 points
Jackson Magera’s side will now look to better their chances when they travel to the MTN Omondi Stadium to visit rivals KCCA FC. Arua Hill on the other hand host Gadaffi FC at the Barifa Stadium.
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