Controversy strikes again: SC Villa cry foul after another goal ruled out

Uganda Premier League

Tuesday Results

Police 1 SC Villa 0

Buhimba 0 BUL 1

Mbarara 0 Kitara 1

Calvary 0 Maroons 1

SC Villa fans were left furious with match officials for the second consecutive Uganda Premier League (UPL) game after a controversial decision during their 1-0 defeat to Police FC at Kira Road Arena in Kamwokya on Tuesday.

The major talking point came in the 13th minute when Frank Ssebuufu found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. TV replays later suggested that Hassan Mubiru, who set up the goal, was in an onside position before laying the ball to Ssebuufu, who finished neatly.

However, centre referee William Oloya, first assistant referee Ronald Katenya and second assistant referee Emmanuel Okudura waved play on, denying Villa what appeared to be a legitimate equaliser.

SC Villa's Hassan Mubiru (left) and David Owori (right) protest to referee William Oloya after their would be equaliser was cancelled for offside during a Uganda Premier League match at Kira Road Police ground. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Had the goal stood, Villa would have levelled matters after Police had taken an early lead through Lawrence Tezikya, who struck in the seventh minute.

The incident came barely days after another controversial call involving the record league champions. In their goalless draw against Express at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba on Saturday, Mubiru had a goal disallowed, a decision later deemed incorrect. Second assistant referee Immaculate Ongiera was subsequently suspended by the FUFA Referees Standing Committee, with her case forwarded to the FUFA Referees Disciplinary Panel.

The two incidents have dealt a significant blow to Villa’s title ambitions. The Jogoos remain on 38 points, six behind leaders Vipers SC, who have 44 points and a game in hand against UPDF on Wednesday in Bombo. Victory for the Venoms would extend the gap at the top to nine points.

Police FC's Lawrence Tezikya (left) tackles SC Villa's S. Ssemayange during a Uganda Premier League match at Kira Police Ground.Photo by Michael Nsubuga

At full-time in Kamwokya, frustrated Villa supporters directed their anger at the match officials, with many claiming their team was being unfairly treated.

“We are not surprised this is happening to us. Two goals disallowed in a space of one week – we know someone is behind this,” a group of fans lamented as they exited the stadium.

Despite the controversial decision, Villa struggled to impose themselves on the game. Police remained organised at the back, frustrating Villa’s attacking efforts.

Key players including Patrick Kakande, Najib Yiga, Ibrahim Kasinde and Reagan Mpande failed to seriously test Police goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga, while Ssebuufu was largely starved of service for long spells of the match.

For Police, the victory ended a four-match winless run and lifted them to fifth place on the table with 35 points.

Elsewhere, title contenders Kitara FC closed the gap at the top to just one point behind Vipers after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mbarara City at Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge District. Edison Agondeze scored the decisive goal.