Goalkeeper Hassan Matovu turned hero as SC Villa edged Kitara FC 4-1 in a penalty shootout to secure third place in the 2026 FUFA Super 8 tournament at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Tuesday evening.
Following a goalless draw in regulation time, Matovu produced two crucial saves during the spot kicks, denying Nicholas Kasozi and Jerome Kirya, putting the Jogoos firmly in command.
While Emmanuel Wasswa converted the lone penalty for the Royals, SC Villa remained flawless from 12 yards, as Najib Yiga, Patrick Kakande, Reagan Mpande, and Frank Ssebuufu all kept their cool to beat Kitara custodian Meddie Kibirige and wrap up the victory.
The Jogoos entered this year’s edition as defending champions, but their title defence proved rocky.
After losing captain David Owori, a refreshed Villa side featuring several young faces struggled with game management, notably surrendering an early lead in their semi-final loss to NEC.
Despite the lack of goals during regulation time, both sides created clear-cut opportunities during an end-to-end clash at Nakivubo.
Kitara’s Meddie Kibirige was called into action early, producing a brilliant double save to deny Villa forward Andrew Otim from point-blank range, prompting Kitara to make an early tactical switch by introducing Nicholas Kasozi for Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye.
Villa came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 37th minute when John Asiimwe beat the keeper, only for veteran defender Murushid Juuko to produce a dramatic goal-line clearance.
Despite a wave of second-half substitutions from both technical benches, neither team could find the back of the net before the final whistle.
The resulting bronze medal finish in SC Villa’s pre-season tournament on a high note as they continue fine-tuning their young squad ahead of the upcoming StarTimes Uganda Premier League campaign.
