There was late drama at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende as KCCA scored an equaliser in the final minute of second-half added time to salvage a point against hosts Vipers.
Ashraf Mugume’s goal in the 93rd minute ensured the match ended 1-1, keeping the Kasasiro Boys’ unbeaten run intact and allowing them to remain at the top of the Uganda Premier League table.
The game had an air of tension and high stakes, with Vipers entering the match looking to end KCCA’s unbeaten streak and leapfrog them in the league standings.
Coach John Ayala Luyinda, who had led the Venoms to four consecutive victories since taking over from Nikola Kavazovic, appeared to be on course for another win when skipper Milton Karisa found the back of the net just before halftime with a well-timed header off Derrick Ndahiro’s cross.
Backed by a home crowd that included students from St. Mary’s Kitende, Vipers kept the pressure on in the second half but were unable to capitalise on multiple chances to extend their lead.
As the clock wound down, Vipers looked set to claim their first home win over KCCA since the 2022/23 season, only for Mugume, a former Venom, to break their hearts with a beautifully struck goal in the final moments of second-half stoppage time.
The result marked the third home draw for Vipers against KCCA since the 2016/17 season and the first time the Venoms have dropped points under Ayala’s leadership.
With the draw, KCCA remain at the top of the table with 18 points, holding a slim one-point lead over second-placed Vipers.
Following the international break, the Kasasiro Boys will return to action on November 21, hosting third-placed NEC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, while Vipers will travel to face URA the following day.
