The day SC Villa left Nigerian crowds dead silent

By Daniel Saire THE Uwuerre stadium in Imoh State was filled to capacity. The Nigerian fans who had been singing to the accompaniment of Matali broke into deafening cheers as Iwuanyanwu took to the pitch with Uganda's SC Villa. Nigerian fans urged their team to demolish the Ugandans whom they referred to as schoolboys. The semi-final return leg of the Africa Club Championship started with both teams searching for an early goal. The referee from Mauritania gave the hosts a contested penalty on the half-hour. Consequently the first half ended 1-0 for them. Unbothered by the referee's suspect officiation, Villa embarked on the second half with gusto. They earned a corner kick in the 65th minute. As usual, the honours fell to "specialist" Sula Kato. From Kato to the head of Majid Musisi and the score was 1-1. From then on the Nigerians attacked Villa like wounded buffalos in search of the killer goal. But the Ugandans were determined to hold on. Not to be out done, the referee awarded a second penalty to Iwuanyanwu as the match neared it close. The crowd cheered wildly. To their dismay and Villa's delight, man-of-the-match Michael Mukasa saved it. A few moments later, the referee blew his final whistle. The Nigerians were left transfixed on the pitch as the small crowd of Ugandan fans and players celebrated. The memorable match took place on 20/10/1991. Villa had won 3-2 in Nakivubo with goals from Musisi and Zaid Tebesigwa. Villa cheer lady Rebecca Sanyu who listened to a live broadcast from Golden Table fainted in the process of jubilation as the final whistle sent Villa into the final.