KCCA FC edged archrivals SC Villa 2-1 in a pulsating Kampala derby on Saturday evening at the newly reopened Mandela National Stadium, with substitute Umar Lutalo emerging as the unlikely hero against his former club.
The victory marked KCCA’s first win of the new StarTimes Uganda Premier League campaign, lifting the Lugogo-based side to four points from two matches, while SC Villa were left empty-handed in their season opener.
Despite pre-match controversy and tension surrounding the league’s new double-header format, the clash delivered the drama and flair that define Uganda’s most storied football rivalry. Fan turnout, however, was visibly affected by online boycotts and criticism of the FUFA-introduced structure, further fueled by defending champions Vipers SC’s decision not to show up for their earlier fixture against Kitara FC.
Once the whistle blew, the noise around the politics faded into pure football.
KCCA drew first blood in the 31st minute through striker Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who opened his account for the club with a touch of class. After a quick one-two with Ashiraf Mugume, Ahimbisibwe coolly rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home into an empty net — a finish reminiscent of his memorable goal for Uganda at CHAN 2024 in the same stadium.
Villa rallied after the break and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Najib Yiga converted from the penalty spot, sending former Villa goalkeeper Charles Lukwago the wrong way to make it 1-1.
Just when the Jogoos looked set to claim a draw, Lutalo, who joined KCCA this season from SC Villa, produced a moment of brilliance. Coming off the bench in the 84th minute, he curled home a stunning free kick in the 89th to restore KCCA’s lead — and, ultimately, settle the contest.
The late winner sparked wild celebrations among the KCCA fans inside Namboole, while Villa players were left dejected at full-time.
KCCA head coach Sergio Daniel Traguil praised his side’s resilience:
“We showed character and patience. It’s never easy against Villa, but the boys believed and kept fighting until the end.”
The result leaves KCCA FC well-placed in the early league standings as they build momentum ahead of their next outing, while SC Villa will look to regroup quickly as they chase their first points of the campaign.
