SUPL: Vipers defeat KCCA FC to stretch summit Lead, NEC held in title race.
Yunus Junior Sentamu and Allan Okello scored for Vipers SC to secure maximum points from Lugogo against the Kasasiro Boys in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Log leaders Vipers extended their lead at the summit to three points after contenders NEC FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Police FC in another league game played on Sunday evening.
Though KCCA FC looked the better side in the opening minutes, creating early chances that Katenga failed to convert, hitman Yunus Sentamu broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. He expertly curled the ball past goalkeeper Mugolofa Mutwalibu to find the back of the net.
Shortly after, within a five-minute interval, Lugogo-bred boy Allan Okello doubled the lead with an easy lofted ball after capitalizing on captain Obenchan’s miscontrol.
Before the visitors took the lead, Etiene Katenga was unlucky not to find the back of the net on two occasions. He was denied by a Hillary Mukundane goal-line clearance in the 17th minute after looping the ball over goalkeeper Alfred Mukendereza. Shortly after, on his second one-on-one attempt, he was denied by a speedy Nicholas Wadada, who cleared the ball just seconds before Katenga’s finishing touch.
Before halftime, Cranes winger Wadada, who was in top form, had a chance to extend the lead when he was set up by Okello. However, his left-footed effort was denied by Mugolofa.
Forward Kenneth Kimera, who replaced the injured Yunus Sentamu in the first half, also had an opportunity to score but was stopped by Mugolofa.
Cranes midfielder Ivan Mayanja had KCCA FCβs best second-half chance but failed to hit the target inside the penalty area.
Vipers, now at 40 points, extended their lead from one point to three. NEC, following their 1-1 draw with the Kops, hold onto second place with 37 points. URA and BUL sit in third and fourth place with 27 and 26 points, respectively.
SUPL newcomers Lugazi FC boosted their survival chances with a 1-0 win over Wakiso Giants, elevating to 11th place with 20 points, seven points clear of the danger zone.
Bottom-placed Mbale Heroes continue their relegation struggles after suffering their 12th loss of the season against BUL. Bright Stars and Wakiso Giants remain in the relegation zone with 11 and 13 points in 15th and 14th place, respectively.
KCCA FC manager Abdallah Mubiru made quick substitutions, introducing Brian Jjara and Haruna Lukwago for Joel Serunjogi and Mustafa Mujjuzi. Later, he brought on Kwikilira Shafiq and Sadat Anaku for young star Gatbel and Derrick Nsibambi.
His Vipers counterpart, Fred Muhumuza, also made several changes. He brought on Kimera for Yunus Sentamu, Siraje Sentamu for Mbowa, and Issa Bugembe replaced Moses Waiswa.
Other SUPL Results (16/02/2025):
- Lugazi 1-0 Wakiso Giants
- Police 1-1 NEC
- BUL 3-0 Mbale Heroes
Monday Fixtures (17/02/2025):
- Mbarara City vs. UPDF
- Kitara vs. Bright Stars
KCCA FC XI
Starting XI: Mugolofa Mutwalibu (GK), Gavin Kizito, Mubeezi, Philbert Obenchan, Mustafa Mujjuzi, Ashraf Mugume, Joel Serunjogi, Ivan Mayanja, Derrick Nsibambi, Gatbel, Etiene Katenga.
Substitutes: Emmanuel Emojong, Haruna Lukwago, Issa Mubiru, Sadat Anaku, Kwikilira Shafiq, Anyama, Bright Anukani, Umar Lutalo, Sharif Ssengendo, Brian Jjara.
Vipers SC XI
Starting XI: Alfred Mukendereza (GK), Nicholas Wadada, Derrick Ndahiro, Enock Luyima, Hilary Mukundane, Livingston Mulondo, Patrick Mbowa, Karim Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu.
Substitutes: Kigundu, Livingston Mulongo, Frank Katongole, Issa Bugembe, Abubakar Walusimbi, Siraje Sentamu, Kenneth Kimera, Matovu, Grant Matsiko, Arnest Ankunda, Mulongo, Abdul Salem, Abubakar Lawal, Sukuya, Matovu.