Mbale Heroes Stun SC Villa

Uganda Premier League (UPL) newcomers Mbale Heroes beat defending champions SC Villa 1-0 in Mbale to pick their first win of the season.

Mbale Heroes won it late at Mbale Stadium, courtesy of second half substitute Waiswa Cosia’s 85th minute free-kick goal.

Cosia sealed the victory with a precision strike, expertly slicing the ball with his left foot past goalkeeper Jeans Braddy Wokorach at the near post to draw wild celebrations.

The jubilant celebrations continued even after the final whistle, marking a triumphant return of top-flight football in Mbale after a 17-year absence.

The victory is just the perfect response the Surgeons needed after losing their opening game 2-1 away to Express at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The win now elevates Mbale Heroes to the six position on the 16-team table, with three points from two games.

The Surgeons are level on (three) points with fifth placed past champions Vipers, only that the Venoms have a superior (+1) goal difference.

Meanwhile, SC Villa also with three points after winning 4-2 in their previous game against Mbarara City have dropped to tenth on the table.

Next up for Mbale Heroes is an away fixture against Wakiso Giants on Friday, September 27, while SC Villa will have hosted BUL a day earlier, on Thursday, September 26.

How Both Teams Lined Up

Mbale Heroes XI: Delton Oyo (GK), Abdul Malik Bironse (C), Faisal Wabyoona, Samson Kasozi, Isaac Ofoyrwoth, Bashir Oni, Akram Muzanyi, David Kakeeto, Davis Ssekajja, Jeremy Matata, Hassan Kato

SC Villa XI: Jeans Braddy Wokorach (GK), Ronald Ssekiganda (C), Arnold Odong, Elvis Ngonde, Francis Onekalit, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Hakim Kiwanuka, David Owori, Tonny Ankunda, Aslam Ssemakula, Edward Masembe