with its impressive form

A man less SC Villa suffered a 1-2 defeat to BUL FC in their fourth game of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Musa Esenu’s first-half brace placed the Oil manufacturers in a comfortable lead before the break to give the visitors an edge under the rampant sunshine in Njeru.

BUL FC got a chance to take the lead as early as the fifth minute through Ibrahim Nsimbe who nodded on target but Gift Fred cleared off the line to keep matters level.

Seven minutes later, SC Villa coach Petros Koukouras was forced to make an early change, introducing Ronald Ssekiganda for Ali Bayo who picked up an injury.

The visitors later took the lead in the 25th minute through Musa Esenu who found himself unmarked in the area hence heading Hillary Onek’s cross home past goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige.

The 16 time league champions replied instantly in search for an equaliser through Oscar Mawa but his hard low cross was timely parried away by BUL’s custodian Saidi Keni to deny Travis Mutyaba who was waiting for a tap in at the far end.

With only four minutes left on the clock to end the first stanza, Mawa was sent off for what looked to be a 50-50 challenge with BUL’s defender Aggrey Madoi.

With half-time looming, Esenu completed a brace through a shot from the right wing to extend BUL’s lead to two goals up.

On the return of the second stanza, Umar Lutalo and Iddi Abdulwahid were called off the field of play for Sadam Masereka and Isaac Ogwang.

In the 61st minute, Kibirige made a big save to deny Joseph Ssemujju’s shot and later Gavin Kizito cleared Nsimbe’s rebound off the line.

Three minutes later, Goffin Orirwoth and Salim Abdallah came on for Ssekiganda and Mutyaba.

With five minutes to the end of the game, SC Villa pulled one back through second-half substitute Isaac Ogwang thanks to Kenneth Semakula’s glorious pass.

with its impressive form

“We had a slow start to the game and also got a red card which needs a second review. The players steadily returned into the game in the second half and we hope to keep improving,” said Koukouras.

Sports club Villa will play against Onduparaka FC at Njeru on Friday, November 26, 2021.