In a pulsating encounter at the Fufa Stadium, Kadiba, SC Villa secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over NEC, catapulting them into second place in the Premier League table.
Najib Yiga and substitute Elvis Ngonde were the heroes for the Jogoos, striking at the back of the net to seal a fourth consecutive win.
The first half failed to produce any goals, but Villa broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half when Yiga slotted home a knockdown from Frank Ssebuufu.
The visitors threatened to equalize, but Villa’s defense held firm until Ngonde’s 87th-minute strike, finishing off a well-worked counter-attacking move set up by Hassan Mubiru, who was adjudged Man of the Match.
NEC’s consolation came from Daniel Shabena, who scored inside added minutes, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a third defeat in five games.
The result leaves NEC 12th with just six points, while Villa climb to second with 13 points, one behind Police who have played one more game.
In other matches, Kitara edged BUL 1-0 in Butema, while Express and Lugazi were held to a goalless draw in Lugazi.
Villa’s next assignment is a trip to Bombo to face UPDF, while NEC will host Calvary at Lugogo on December 25.
