By Fred Kaweesi

WHAT a start! With so much pre-match talk, fan expectation, pride and history already in place, the 2007/2008 League 1-1 league opener between traditional giants SC Villa and Express FC fair and square lived to its billing as a classic.

A contender for goal of the season, glorious step-overs, a wonder volley, nasty tackles, 13 corners and three yellow cards; this city derby simply had it all.

There has never been substitute for class, and in that respect, Villa was always going to have the edge when gifted with set-piece situations.

Steven Bengo, Villa’s match leader without the armband, helped the Jogoos to a priceless opener from a 25-yard free-kick. It was a majestic set-piece that even left Express custodian Godfrey Wakabu filled with indecision.

Wakabu was caught in two minds, whether to move or instruct his wall and opted for none.

But when Villa thought their artistic performance and Bengo’s effort would just well bring them that winning start, Badru Kiyega struck a fine header five minutes later from a perfectly-weighted Phillip Ssozi corner.

The goal seemed to bring the Red Eagles back to life, matching their opponents pound-for-pound for every loose ball.

Playing a 4-3-3 formation, with three of their midfielders pushing forward in support of Oscar Kadenge, Villa’s Jeremiah Sebuyiira, Augustine Nsumba and Bengo often moved the ball in intelligent triangular patterns, sideways and backwards as often as forwards.

And although Express had some occasional runs, it was Villa always calling the tune.

From seemingly lazy midfield moves, they would suddenly have four or even five men in attack.
One negative concern though, was that none of either team’s forwards was particularly impressive.

Villa striker Kadenge’s performance bore no similarity to a player who had fast-secured cult status at the club in the 2006 season.

His substitution told the story, while Express’ Hassan Nduggwa was such a letdown.

Youthful midfielders Sebuyiira, Nsumba and Bengo assumed Villa’s attacking mantle but were guilty of fluffing an avalanche of chances.

But it was Express’ Denis Kyeyune who had one of best efforts after botching what seemed an easy chance. “Overall, the teams played well and was a good showing for an opne,” Express coach Polly Ouma later said.

Villa: Mugabi, Juuko, Aziira, Owino, Ndoro, Mwachuku, Sebuyiira, Bengo, Kadenge, Nkurinungi, Nsumba

Express: Wakabu, Kiyegga, Piche, Kalungi, Hitmana, Kinene, Kavulu, Byekwaso, Kyeyune, Nduggwa, Ssozi.