Express FC 1-1 SC Villa – Game abandoned after 83 minutes
The highly anticipated ‘Kampala derby’ between Express FC and SC Villa at Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku ended prematurely thanks to fans violence.
It all happened with seven minutes left on the clock thanks to Erias Ssekisambu goal that put SC Villa back on level terms cancelling out John Semazzi’s goal.
Both sides started slowly but the hosts threatened first with John Semazzi hitting a half volley which goalie Nicholas Sebwato easily collected.
It took SC Villa 22 minutes to threaten Express’ goal but Steven Bengo well taken free kick was tipped over the bar by goalie Ivan Mutumba.
Four minutes later, Nigerian import Victor Emenayo shot wide from cross range from a Steven Bengo free kick.
Jogoos’ left back Yeseri Waibi missed a header with the goal at his mercy after another free kick this time from Isaac Muleme in the 27th minute.
SC Villa who were in ascendency at the moment yet again wasted another opportunity when Emenayo failed to control a well laid through ball from Steven Bengo.
Nevertheless, the best chance of the half fell to Semazzi his attempt in the goal mouth was intercepted by Musa Doka as the visitors survived.
On the stroke of half time, Semazzi rounded off defenders Derrick Walulya and Fahad Kawooya but his attempt missed target by inches.
Bengo had an opportunity in the added minutes of the half but shot wide.
Five minutes after the break, Semazzi beat the SC Villa offside trap before shooting past the advancing Sebwato into the net to send the Red Eagles fans into frenzy.
Meanwhile, SC Villa Coach Sam Ssimbwa who had withdrawn Emenayo for Chrizestom Ntambi reacted by throwing on Moses Gaale for the inefficient Augustine Nsumba and Denis Kamanzi for Isaac Muleme but the hosts defended resiliently and resorted to attacking on the break as Villa pressed for an equalized.
Hell broke loose with almost a quarter of an hour to go when referee Rajab Bakasamba sent off Express FC’s Ibrahim Kayiwa for what he termed as time wasting.
Kayiwa was being subbed and his slow movement off the pitch was deemed as a time wasting tactic and he got his second yellow on the day.
This prompted the Red Eagles fans to start throwing stones at the match officials but Express technical bench led by Wasswa Bbosa and Hassan Mubiru alongside manager Abdul Kinobe calmed the situation and the game went on.
However, in the 83rd minute when Ssekisambu equalized, the Express fans started pelting fans towards the Villa stands and chaos ensued with everyone taking cover for their dear lives.
This prompted fans to fire teargas in a bid to disperse the angry crowd from the Eagles’ side as Villa fans sang in jubilation in anticipation of a board room decision in their favour like the case in the reverse fixture.
The game; first live broadcast on Azam TV will now be decided after the referees’ match report but all signs indicate SC Villa will be awarded three goals and three points.
The record league champions have so far benefited from two boardroom decisions; the first in the reverse fixture against their rivals in Mityana and the other from a game against Sadolin Paints in Bugembe which also ended in similar fashion.
Express FC XI: Ivan Mutumba, Shafiq Bakaki, Ivan Sserunkuma, Henry Katongole, Bob Kasozi, Hassan Wasswa Dazo, Ibrahim Kayiwa, Willy Kavuma, Isaac Sserunkuma, John Semazzi and Godfrey Lwesibawa (Musa Mukasa)
SC Villa XI: Nicolas Sebwato, Derrick Walulya, Yeseri Waibi, Musa Docca, Fahad Kawooya, Hassan Wasswa, Erias Ssekisambu, Augustine Nsumba (Moses Gaale), Victor Emenayo (Chrizestom Ntambi), Steven Bengo and Isaac Muleme (Denis Kamanzi).
