Sports Club Villa head coach Dusan Stojanovic has expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance following a well-deserved 3-1 victory against Singida Black Stars FC in a Group C match of the ongoing Dar Port Kagame Cup 2024.
The reigning Uganda Premier League champions began their campaign with a goalless draw against El Merriekh Bentiu FC from South Sudan but came back strong to defeat the Tanzanian side on Friday at the Azam Complex, Chamazi.
Najib Yiga set the tone with a spectacular goal, considered one of the tournament’s best so far, scored two minutes into added time before the break. Yiga capitalized on a precise pass and fired from the right-hand side, far outside the box, to beat Singida Black Stars goalkeeper Benedict Haule, who was caught off his line.
In the second half, Patrick Kakande converted a penalty, and Reagan Mpande made it 3-0 just 56 minutes in. Despite a late push by Singida Black Stars, resulting in a goal by Marouf Tchakeh in the 61st minute, SC Villa maintained their dominance.
“I am very happy with the way my players expressed themselves in the win against Singida Black Stars. We started at a low pace in the opening match, and now the team is gaining momentum,” said SC Villa coach Stojanovic.
Despite the victory, Stojanovic emphasized the need for continued improvement as they prepare for their final group match against Rwanda’s APR FC. “I am also glad that the matches in this tournament are preparing the team ahead of the new season,” he added.
In the other Group C match, APR FC narrowly defeated El Merriekh Bentiu FC 1-0, with substitute Mamadou Sy scoring the decisive goal in the 70th minute. This win puts APR FC at the top of the group with 6 points, while SC Villa now holds 4 points.
Elsewhere, Zanzibar Premier League champions JKU SC triumphed over Coastal Union FC 2-0, thanks to goals from Juma Matta Nassoro and Neva Adeline. Hay Al Wadi (Sudan) also secured a 2-1 victory over Dekadaha FC (Somalia), with Ahmed Mohamed Zidan and Ahmed Esmat scoring for the Sudanese team, while Nur Irad netted for Dekadaha.
Today’s action continues with two Group B matches at the Azam Complex, Chamazi. Sudan’s Al Hilal faces guest side Red Arrows FC (Zambia) in what promises to be a thrilling encounter, while Gor Mahia FC (Kenya) takes on ASAS Djibouti Telecom.
The regional tournament is supported by Rwanda President Paul Kagame, Dar Port through the Tanzania Ports Authority, the Sudan Football Association (SFA), Azam TV, and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).
