At Mbale Municipal Stadium on Sunday, Mbale Heroes’ high-octane display of team brilliance startled the defending champions, SC Villa.
The team led by Richard Malinga lost 2-1 against Express FC to celebrate their first appearance in the top division in nearly 20 years, but they were determined to win all three points against the defending champions.
Mbale Heroes won the game for the first time this season thanks to a spectacular late free kick by Cosia Waiswa with four minutes remaining in regulation.
The Mbale Heroes crowd were ecstatic as Waiswa’s flawless free kick beat SC Villa goalkeeper Braddy Wokorach at his near post.
Villa entered the match fresh off a 4-2 victory against Mbarara City FC in their league debut. They hadn’t dropped a game since losing 2-0 to KCCA FC at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole in May.
A loss against Mbale Heroes cast doubt on the Jogoos’ chances of winning the league championship twice in a row.
In the last moments of the match, Peter Onzima had the best opportunity for SC Villa, but the winger was unable to find the back of the net.
On September 27, 2024, Mbale Heroes will take on Wakiso Giants at the Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium in Wakiso. On Wednesday, SC Villa will play host to BUL FC.
