Thursday, November 23
•Gaddafi 2-2 Bright Stars
•Vipers 2-0 URA
Vipers secured a deserved 2-0 victory over a lackluster URA team in a league match at Kitende, brightly lit by floodlights.
Eric Kambale and Lumala Abdu found the net for the Venoms, revitalizing their winning streak following a loss to rivals KCCA in the previous fixture.
Despite the absence of five national team players—Jack Komakech, Milton Karisa, Bright Anukani, Rogers Torach, and Yunus Sentamu—Vipers dominated from the start.
Their early efforts paid off in the eighth minute when Abubakar Lawal initiated an attack after URA lost possession, setting up Kambale who skillfully slotted the ball past goalkeeper Denis Otim.
Lumala extended Vipers’ lead five minutes into the second half, capitalizing on URA’s defensive error, intercepting a poor back pass from Najib Fessali, and smoothly scoring into an empty net after beating goalkeeper Otim.
Vipers played the final 15 minutes with ten men after Isa Mubiru received a second yellow for pulling Joseph Seemujju’s jersey, yet URA couldn’t capitalize on the numerical advantage.
The night was special for Vipers as Allan Okello, formerly of rivals KCCA, finally made his much-anticipated debut, coming on for Karim Watambala.
Okello had fewer touches, but even then, every one of it including a deft pass to offside Rodrigue Shamamba was cheered on by a sizeable crowd.
While URA’s Saidi Kyeyune attempted a long-range shot kept out by Goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora, they posed little threat throughout the game.
Vipers dominated the game, launching numerous attacks, and could have scored more goals.
Watambala’s free-kick was denied, Shammamba missed a keeper-to-beat, and Otim thwarted attempts from Lumala, Kambale, and Salim Ekbad.
The result places Vipers in second place with 17 points, but they can be overturned by NEC and Kitara who will play on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
This marks URA’s second defeat this season, and the first under new coach David Obua.
What Next – Vipers visit UPDF at Bombo on November 30 while URA host Express at Lugazi on December 1.
Players Used
Vipers – Fabien Mutombora, Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Livingston Mulondo, Patrick Mbowa, Siraje Sentamu, Karim Watambala, Abubakar Lawal, Salem Ekbad, Lumala Abdu, Eric Kambale
URA – Denis Otim, James Begisa, Najib Fessali, Hassan Kalega, Joshua Lubwama, Eric Ssenjobe, Ibrahim Wamannah, Ronald Andabati, Saidi Kyeyune, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Viane Ssekajugo
