Vipers Venomous Again

Interim coach John “Ayala” Luyinda finally got his first win this season since taking over at Vipers SC as the Venoms edged Lugazi FC 2-0 at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende to crown today’s StarTimes Uganda Premier League games.

Ayala who had been waiting for a win since taking charge watched his side dominate from start to finish before finally breaking Lugazi’s resistance late on.

Youngster Abubaker Walusimbi put in a Man of the Match performance to inspire Ayala’s first win in charge.

In the 16th minute, Karim Watambala had a great chance after a long throw-in by right-back Mandela but his effort missed the goalposts by inches.

The hosts had a penalty appeal after Usama Arafat was fouled in the box but the centre referee waved it away.

Striker Gusto Mulongo had a good chance after Walusimbi’s pass but Lugazi FC goalkeeper Tonny Kyamera came out quickly to deny the attempt.

Walusimbi had the last kick of the first half as his free-kick went straight into the hands of Kyamera.

Back in the last stanza of the game, Vipers SC had the first attempt with Usama Arafat heading wide from Karim Watambala’s cross.

The hosts continued to press Lugazi FC and substitute Kenneth Kimera had his header rattle the goalpost.

Lugazi FC had very few chances throughout the game as Vipers SC dominated possession and pinned them back in their own half.

The visitors struggled to get out and barely threatened while Vipers SC kept squeezing them until the late goals finally came.

Moments later, in the 80th minute, Nigerian international defender Birewibo Tarabina gave Vipers SC the lead after reacting to a loose ball in the box from a corner sending the Vipers fans wild.

Vipers maintained possession until Walusimbi sealed Ayala’s first win with a thunderbolt strike for the second goal.

The win lifts Vipers SC to 7th place on the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table with 14 points from 9 games.

Vipers SC Line-Up; Loyce Mbaba (GK) , Ashiraf Mandela, Nicholas Mwere, Birewibo Tarabina, Kevin Dasylva, Joel Sserunjogi, Karim Watambala, Abubaker Walusimbi, Milton Karisa (C), Usama Arafat, Gusto Mulongo.

Substitutes; Derrick Kiggundu, Jack Komakech, Patrick Mbowa, Hilary Mukundane, Amour Munogera, Marvin Youngman, Jacques Mangoba ,Yunus Sentamu, Farouk Miya, Kenneth Kimera

Lugazi FC Line-Up; Tonny Kyamera (GK), Frank Mulimi, Mulondo Livingstone, Ayiko Richard (C), Akankwasa Alex, Mulambuzi Hamza, Kokas John, Etoju Amos, Kawawa Rashid, Buga Moses, Rwothomio Cromwell

Substitutes; Matata Jeremy, Onekalit Francis, Batali Allan, Musa Ssali, Mafabi Yusuf, Birungi Alvin, Mutesaasira Adam, Buchochera Jamaldine, Munoobi Emmanuel, Kyebatala Umar, Mataama Dickson

Today’s Results (Match-Day 10)

● Vipers SC 2-0 Lugazi FC

● Ntugasaze FC 1-3 Entebbe UPPC FC

● Express FC 3-2 Blacks Power FC

Tomorrow

● Kigezi HomeBoyz FC 🆚️ Mbarara City FC – Rwamwanja Stadium Kamwenge