Kitara shock Villa on UPL return

Kabon Living was the hero as Kitara FC beat record winners SC Villa 1-2 in the opening matchday of the 2023/24 starTimes Uganda Premier League on Friday at Wankulukuku.

Kabon Living scored the winner in extra time to earn his side a winning return to the top tier division.

Villa’s Charles Lwanga had earlier cancelled out last season’s Fufa Big League top scorer Denis Omedi’s 15th minute opener on the stroke of half time.

There was also some pre-match spice as organisers had dance hall musician Ziza Bafana entertain fans.

The audience also included former Uganda Cranes and Villa coach Micho Sredojevic, who joined the club president Omar Mandela in the stands.

This was a dream start for the Masindi side, Kitara, and an electric shock for Villa, who only lost out on the league title on the final day last season.

Kitara now sit brightly on top of the top-flight table with three points, while Villa will have to wait a little more before they can start tallying up anything.

Meanwhile, at Kavumba Recreation Ground, Lawrence Tezikya was hero as BUL beat Soltilo Bright Stars 0-1.

Else where, Dhata Joseph Stephen was named man of the match as NEC FC beat league returnees Mbarara City 1-0. It was NEC’s first ever game in the UPL.

Uganda Premier League

Friday results

Mbarara City FC 0-1 NEC FC

SC Villa 1-2 Kitara FC

Soltilo Bright Stars FC 0-1 BUL FC