URA FC delivered a spirited performance under the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo floodlights on Friday night, pushing SC Villa all the way before narrowly falling to a 1-0 defeat in a tightly contested Uganda Premier League encounter.
Despite the setback, the Tax Collectors showed resilience and attacking intent, particularly in the closing stages when they piled pressure on the visitors in search of an equaliser.
SC Villa took the lead in the 23rd minute when Reagan Mpande headed home from close range following a well-worked move involving Frank Ssebufu.
URA responded positively and continued to look for openings, with Moses Aliro providing a dangerous delivery for Nelson Ssenkatuka before the interval, although the forward could not convert the opportunity.
The second half remained an intense battle, with URA growing increasingly assertive as the game progressed.
Villa came close to doubling their advantage in the 83rd minute when Andrew Otim attempted to catch Chrispus Kusiima off his line, but his effort drifted narrowly wide.
Two minutes later, the Tax Collectors were handed a major opportunity to turn up the pressure when Villa were reduced to ten men following Isaac Mpangi’s second yellow card.
URA took full advantage of the numerical advantage, pushing forward and forcing the Jogoos into a deep defensive shape during the closing stages.
The Tax Collectors created sustained pressure around the Villa penalty area and continued to knock on the door, but the visitors managed to withstand the late onslaught and protect their narrow lead until the final whistle.
While the result did not go URA FC’s way, the performance provided encouraging signs, with the team demonstrating character, persistence and the ability to compete strongly against one of the league’s most experienced sides.
The Tax Collectors will now turn their attention to the next assignment, with the focus firmly on building on the positives from Friday night and returning to winning ways.