SC Villa secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Mbarara City in the Uganda Premier League at Muteesa II Stadium on Thursday.

Frank Ssebuufu and Najib Yiga scored in both halves to earn the Jogoos maximum points and move to second in the standings.

Ssebuufu broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound after Aslam Ssemakula’s low effort struck the woodwork.

Ankole Lions gradually grew into the game and began to trouble the hosts. Their technical team adjusted tactically, instructing the full-backs to remain deep and maintain a compact back four to limit SC Villa’s attacking threat down the flanks.

However, despite creating several opportunities, the visitors struggled to make their chances count in the final third.

With five minutes left in the first half, SC Villa made a change in midfield, bringing on Tony Asiku for Ibrahim Kasinde as the hosts sought greater control in the middle of the park.

At the start of the second half, Najib Yiga replaced Patrick Kalande, who had struggled to make an impact.

Mbarara City enjoyed a spell of dominance in the opening 10 minutes after the restart, but Rogers Mugisha and Ivan Bogere failed to convert their opportunities.

SC Villa responded in the 58th minute when Andrew Okumu was replaced by Brian Kassim Mato, who slotted in at right-back.

The change appeared to give Mbarara City more room to exploit down that flank, with Mugisha and Abdul Malik Bironse making the most of the space.

The visitors continued to search for an equaliser, but SC Villa goalkeeper David Lukwago came to his side’s rescue in the 68th minute, producing an important save to deny Kanyike from close range.

Lukwago was forced off through injury two minutes later, with Hassan Matovu coming on to take his place between the posts.

With five minutes remaining, Yiga put the result beyond doubt, doubling SC Villa’s lead after Mbarara City’s defence failed to clear its lines.

The victory lifts SC Villa to second place with 17 points from seven matches, while Mbarara City remain 14th with five points from six games.