URA FC took on SC Villa today 12/12/2020 in one of the most fascinating games of the season. In the build-up, the game promised a lot of excitement and nerve-wracking senses especially from the narrative shaped on the various predictions. The tax collectors were labelled favourites only by virtue of being the host but their recent form suggested a different trajectory altogether. SC Villa on the other hand was coming from an inspirational 3-0 win against Mbarara City.
It also goes without mention that the Jogoos haven’t won a game away against URA FC for ten years now. Sam Ssimbwa and his team were looking to continue this streak and frustrate the opponent even more. As earlier highlighted, the game itself was not shy of quality but with a number of missed chances. It was anything one would expect from a headliner-aggressive, physical, but not quite there offensive. The gaffer welcomed two players back for this tie, Patrick Mbowa and Ibrahim Dada who started the game instantly. Michael Birungi and Hudu Mulikyi made way and this saw us operate with two strikers at front – Dada and Stephan Mukwala.
The first ten minutes of the game were fairly contested but with the hosts being the dominant side of the two. The tax collectors not only dominated possession but also attacked more off the right flank with Joackiam Ojera and fullback ASHRAF Mandela. The catalyst, however, was in midfield where the team skipper, Saidi Kyeyune was recycling the ball and initiating our attacks. Of course, Mutyaba Julius’ energy in midfield can’t be ignored. All this, however, didn’t hold when Benjamin Nyakoojo held the ball in the box to gift Villa an opportunity from the penalty spot.
This they took gracefully in the sixteenth minute to lead the game with their first shot on target. The fight from Ssimbwa’s side was there to see with Nyakoojo heading home a cross from Kyeyune’s freekick in the 31st minute to level matters. That with a couple of half-chances would later come to define the first half of the game. With their dominance in the first half earning them just a draw, URA FC was determined to change the trajectory in the second half. Their long press off the right flank and excessive dominion over the ball forced their adversaries into unprecedented errors.
Errors in the back-line that we were unable to capitalize on. This was indeed the story of the second half for the majority of the minutes and at some point in time, the writing seemed to be on the wall and a draw was imminent. Many had indeed written the game off as a draw but it’s often alluded to, “it’s never over until it’s over”. The skipper saved the day in the 92 minutes with a head off Brian Majegwa’s perfect cross to win it. The timing was perfect and this therefore confirmed our first win of the season.
Sam Ssimbwa had this to say: “The win is all we were looking for coming into this game. We had a good boost of returning players since we lacked numbers on the team. The game itself was really tough and we had to work hard to get the three points. This will help kick-start our season.
The skipper and winning goal scorer, Saidi Kyeyune also had this to say: “This was something we definitely needed, our hard work paid off. Personally, I set a target of scoring 15goals this season and this is a good start. “
From a URA FC perspective, this win will serve as a good benchmark for our game away to BUL FC come Tuesday next week.