Congolese import Cesar Manzoki scored the winner for Vipers SC in 2-1 win over Soltilo Bright Stars Football Club in the StarTimes Uganda Premier league game played on Wednesday at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
The home win means the Venoms have now moved four points clear ahead of second placed KCCA FC that have a tricky game in hand away to holders Express at Wankulukuku.
Captain Halid Lwaliwa lead by example and gave the hosts an early lead in the 11th minute, then winger Kasinde levelled in the 49th minute and Manzoki scored the winner.
Lwaliwa scored a header when he connected well to Bobosi Byaruhanga well crafted free kick.
Ibrahim Kasinde levelled from the penalty mark after Bobosi brought down Yasin Mugume in the area in the 49th minute.
Then, Vipers hitman Manzoki scored the second and the winner in the 63rd minute.
Earlier in the game, Karisa denied the hosts an early lead in the 7th minute when he stuggerred and fell after beating goal keeper Tamale.
Manzoki made the first attempt of the game but his left footed effort went inches off the mark.
Defender Derrick Ngobi missed on the visitors’ best chance of the first half when he was denied by goal keeper Mutombola in the six yards box.
Karisa got the opportunity to extend the lead but was denied by the goal frame on his header effort in the 28th minute.
Emmanuel Loki almost levelled the scoreline before the half time but goal keeper Mutombola was up to the task.
Yunus Sentamu almost put his name on the score sheet but his well struck shot was deflected for a corner in the 63rd minute.
Bobosi denied the hosts a two goals lead when he missed a penalty after Yunus Sentamu was brought down in the area.
There was a late chance for the visitors to level in the dyieng minutes of the game but Looki header effort was cleared off the line.
Bright Stars FC head coach Kiwanuka was happy with the team’s performance but disappointed with the results.
It wasn’t an easy game, I feel we played well, we came with a startegy of getting a point here but we have lost the game. We have to forget this game and focus on the next, our target is to win all our games with hard work and we have a lot of hope God willing we shall survive.
Vipers SC head coach Roberto Oliviera was delighted with the three points after two long travels in Uganda Cup.
I Congratulate my opponents, it was a good game happy with my teams’ performance. I give priority to every game, Vipers has the same style in each and every game be it a friendly match.
Am happy about my players’ mentality, it wasn’t easy to travel two long distances and return here and win.
Vipers SC XI.
Fabien Mutombola, Paul Willa, Disan Galiwango, Halid Lwaliwa, Livingston Mulondo, Siraje Sentamu, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Yiga Najib, Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa, Ceasor Manzoki
Substitutes
Jack Komakech, Hilary Mukundane, Paul Mucurezi , Ibrahim Orit, Dan Serunkuma, Kayiwa Allan, Dennis Mwemezi
Bright Stars FC XI
Simon Tamale, Andrew Kaggwa, Simon Ssemayange Warren Buule,. Derrick Ngobi Fiat Cleophus Ibrahim Kasinde Marvin Youngman, Emmanuel Loki, Yasin Mugume, Joseph Janjali (CPT.)
Substitutions
Emmanuel Derrick Were, Nvule Jamir, Omony Denis Kaka, Derrick Kiggundu, Methodius Jungu,. Allan Katwe, Alfred Onek.
Photo: Manzoki joined by teammates in celebration, Photo Credit; Isma Mulangwa.
