SC Villa passed up a golden chance to climb to the summit of the Uganda Premier League after suffering a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Maroons FC in Luzira on Saturday evening.
The match could not have started on a worse note for the Jogoos. Before fans could even settle into their seats, Ivan Mayanja stunned the visitors with a well-timed finish, turning in a Baden Mujahid delivery inside the first minute. That early blow set the tone for a tense and gritty contest in which Maroons defended with unyielding discipline.
The game’s intensity boiled over before half-time. Tempers flared, leading to two dismissals in quick succession. Maroons’ goalkeeper Simon Tamale and SC Villa defender Geoffrey Lubangakene were both shown red in the 39th minute for unsporting behaviour, a dramatic moment that forced Maroons into a tactical reshuffle.
Winger Ivan Asaba was withdrawn as replacement goalkeeper Hassan Matovu entered the fray. Matovu rose to the occasion, holding firm to keep a clean sheet for the remainder of the match.
(1-0)
Defeat on the Road.@UPL || #MARSCV#TheJogoos🔵 pic.twitter.com/CZJ6OQaUQb
— SC Villa (@SCVillaJogoo) December 6, 2025
Maroons’ victory propels them to 12 points, lifting the Luzira side to eighth position in the 16-team standings. For Villa, the defeat is a bitter pill; they remain on 17 points after nine matches, level with both Vipers and KCCA, who hold games in hand. A win would have temporarily pushed Villa to the top before the rest of the title contenders took to the field.
Starting Line-ups
Maroons XI: Simon Tamale (GK), Edward Kabona, Boris Onegi, Emmanuel Obua, Jamal Ssemwogere, Derrick Basoga, Ivan Asaba, Brian Nkuubi, Ivan Mayanja, Mujahid Baden, Raymond Walugembe.
SC Villa XI: David Lukwago (GK), David Owori, Raymon Barasa, Aslam Ssemakula, Diego Semugera, Najib Yiga, Ibrahim Kasinde, Frank Ssebufu, Reagan Mpande, Simon Ssemayange, Geoffrey Lubangakene.
