David GOMBE
URA FC and SC Villa will be seeking Stanbic Uganda Cup first leg advantage when the two sides face off in the semifinal of the competition under the lights of Nakivubo on Monday.
URA FC will be aiming for their first victory over SC Villa since the 2022/23 season when they denied the Jogoos a league title on the final day.
Since then, Villa is unbeaten in seven consecutive games while facing the tax collectors, managing three wins and four draws.
Ironically the previous four games that URA has hosted Villa have all ended in stalemates. In fact, URA is unbeaten at home against Villa in eleven games, winning six and five draws.
The tax collects eliminated KCCA FC at the quarterfinal stage coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 before winning on penalties.
Villa on the other hand edged lower division side Happy Boyz Kagaba 1-0 to reach this stage.
URA FC last won the competition in 2014 and have won it three times in history while Villa have nine trophies to their name with their previous triumph in the event coming in 2015.
Joseph Ssemujju a former SC Villa winger will be facing his side and Hussein Mbalangu will look up to experienced players Moses Waiswa, Rahmat Ssenfuka and Ronald Otti for inspiration.
Hassan Mubiru, Patrick Jonah Kakande and Frank Ssebuufu are expected to light up the Jogoos attack.
Meanwhile, Kitara FC and Kitara FC shared spoils in a goalless stalemate at the Royals Park in Butema on Sunday in the other semifinal encounter.
