Vipers SC delivered a statement performance on Friday evening, edging KCCA FC 1–0 in a pulsating Uganda Premier League encounter at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. The Venoms displayed both flair and tactical discipline to claim maximum points in front of their home fans.
The hosts came flying out of the blocks, setting the tone early with sharp passing and relentless pressing that kept the visitors under constant pressure.
Their early dominance eventually paid dividends when Allan Okello pounced midway through the first half to punish a rare mistake from goalkeeper Charles Lukwago.
Vipers’ head coach made a few bold tweaks to his lineup, handing starts to Okello and Yunus Sibira ahead of skipper Milton Karisa and Gusto Mulongo, a decision that proved justified as the team looked sharper in midfield.
The trio of Enock Ssebagala, Marvin Youngman, and Karim Watambala completely bossed proceedings in the center of the park, leaving KCCA’s engine room of Joel Walusimbi, Saidi Mayanja, and Umar Lutalo chasing shadows.
Defensively, the home side was compact and well-drilled. Rogers Torach, deployed at right back, seamlessly tucked into a back three when out of possession, combining effectively with Hillary Mukundane and Kevin Daslyva to shut out KCCA’s usually dangerous wide threats.
The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute after a clever move down the left flank. Yunus Sentamu worked space to deliver a teasing cross that Lukwago mishandled, allowing the alert Okello to tap home from close range — a poacher’s finish against his former club.
KCCA’s co-coach Jackson Magera reacted by introducing Ashiraf Mugume for the underperforming Lutalo, a switch that sparked a much-improved second-half display from the visitors.
However, despite seeing more of the ball, KCCA struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Vipers goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza enjoying a largely quiet evening.
Late on, substitute Karisa could have sealed the victory after being set up beautifully by Ashraf Mandela, but he blazed over from close range. Still, Vipers held firm to secure a crucial win that keeps their perfect start to the season intact.
The result lifts Vipers to six points from their opening two fixtures, moving them into tenth place due to games in hand, while KCCA remain top on 11 points despite tasting defeat for the first time this campaign.
After the international break, KCCA will host URA FC at Lugogo, whereas Vipers stay at Kitende to welcome Maroons FC as both sides look to build momentum in the title race.
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