SC Villa secured their first victory of the Uganda Premier League season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over URA FC on Friday at Nakivubo.
Reagan Mpande’s first-half header proved decisive as the visitors claimed all three points.
Mpande nodded the ball home after Frank Ssebuufu outmuscled his marker to meet a well-delivered cross from Ibrahim Kasinde.
The goal came after URA lost possession, allowing Aliro space to send a cross into the box that ultimately led to Mpande’s finish.
URA had an opportunity to equalise before the break, but Nelson Ssenkatuka headed Aliro’s cross over the bar.
Norman Namanya also came close when a searching delivery struck the woodwork.
After the interval, Patrick Jonah Kakande went close to extending Villa’s lead but his effort rolled narrowly wide.
Andrew Otim attempted to lob goalkeeper Crispus Kusiima, only to miss the target.
At the other end, Villa goalkeeper David Lukwago produced an excellent one-handed save to deny Godfrey Ssekibengo as URA pushed for an equaliser.
Villa held firm to take the points and move onto four from their opening two matches, having drawn 1-1 with Kitara in their first outing.
URA remain on three points after their 2-1 opening win over Maroons at Wankulukuku, where Dissan Galiwango and Abraham Tusubira were on target.