Byekwaso: We misbehaved against SC Villa

Morley Byekwaso knew better than to buy into the early-season noise. Just days after Express FC fans erupted in celebration over a resounding 2-0 victory against KCCA FC capped by Derrick “Rickman” Ddungu’s memorable goal, the Red Eagles head coach was already preaching caution. He knew tough afternoons were coming.

On Wednesday at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, his premonition turned into reality. SC Villa handed Express their second loss in three matches with a 2-0 defeat, leaving Byekwaso to reflect on a game of two starkly different halves and missed opportunities.

“The game was generally fair. We misbehaved in the first half. We were not following the way things could happen,” Byekwaso said candidly after the final whistle. 

“The boys did not press. We gave SC Villa a lot of space to do what they wanted. But when we rectified a few things in the dressing room, everything changed.”

Express’s sluggish start proved costly almost immediately. Just four minutes into the derby, Ibrahim Kasinde broke down the flank and delivered a precise pass to Patrick Kakande, who tapped home to put the Jogoos ahead. 

Villa maintained their dominance throughout the first spell, with Reagan Mpande coming close to doubling the lead from distance as Express struggled to build any meaningful momentum.

Whatever Byekwaso said at halftime sparked an immediate reaction, and the Red Eagles emerged for the second half with renewed intensity, pushing Villa back into their own territory. 

In the 66th minute, Isaac Wagoina rose to head a Shafic Batambuze cross just wide of the post, before Peter Onzima’s dangerous delivery across the face of goal failed to find a converting touch.

Yet, for all their second-half pressure, Express lacked the decisive edge. Deep in stoppage time, a goalkeeping error by Mathias Kigonya left the net unguarded, allowing Villa’s Andrew Otim to capitalise and roll the ball into an empty net to seal the victory.

“We would have won the game, but we did not take away the chances,” Byekwaso noted. “That is football. If you don’t take away the chances, your opponent will win. And SC Villa took the game.”

The result pushes SC Villa up to third place on the Uganda Premier League table with seven points from their second consecutive win of the campaign.

Express FC remain in ninth position with three points from their opening three fixtures, serving as a firm reminder of the work that lies ahead for Byekwaso’s side in order to return to the good old days.

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