SUPL: URA FC Keep Title Race Alive with Draw Against Leaders Vipers

Ronald Otti scored for the tax collectors and Arafat Usama leveled for reigning league champions early in the second half to share spoils in the StarTimes Uganda Premier league game played at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

Central defender Otti headed in a well crafted Isma Mugulusi freekick in the 36th minute and early in the second half, Usama headed in a rebound off the cross bar.

With several notable chances created by the hosts in the second half, Mbalangu’s men held on to secure a crucial away point to make it 26 in their tough season.

URA right back James Begesa made the first notable attempt of the game with a long-range shot in the 17th minute but was denied by goalkeeper Kigundu save to win a corner.

Semujju, shortly in the 21st minute, tried outside the 18-yard box but Kiggundu was up to the task with a comfortable save.

Mugulusi almost doubled the lead for the visitors, but his long-range effort was well dealt with goalkeeper Kiggundu in the 38th minute.

Yunus Sentamu and Bayeku were introduced for Chukuma and Gusto Mulongo in the 63rd minute.

Usama went close to finding the equaliser, but his shot was blocked by left back Disan Galiwango.

Hudu Mulikyi replaced injured Vuni and later Coach Hussein Mbalangu brought on Fred Amaku and Goerge Masembe for Bruno Bunyaga and Joseph Semujju.

Ronald Otti was named StarTimes Uganda Premier league Man of the Match and was awarded by Ex-international Hamis Diego Kizza 

The draw meant that the Venoms go to 60 points at the summit, five a drift of second placed KCCA FC at 55pts and Kitara at 54 points in third place.

The SUPL title race continues tomorrow, Kitara welcoming 6th placed NEC Football club with 46 points.

Vipers SC XI

Dennis Kigundu(GK), Ashraf Mandela, Derrick Ndahiro, Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane, Marvin Youngman, Enock Ssebagala, Abdul Karim Watambala, Arafat Usama, Gusto Mulongo, Chukuma Odili

URA FC XI

Crispus Kusiima(GK), James Begesa, Disan Galiwango, Ronald Otti, Bright Vuni, Innocent Kisoro, Ibrahim WammanahIsma Mugulusi, Moses Aliro, Joseph Semujju, Bruno Bunyaga