Vipers SC returned to the summit of the Uganda Premier League (UPL) table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over struggling Soltilo Bright Stars at Kavumba Recreation Center on Saturday.
Goals from Gusto Mulongo and Allan Okello secured the Venoms’ sixth win in eight matches under coach John Ayala Luyinda, keeping their unbeaten record under the gaffer’s leadership intact.
The Venoms got off to a commanding start, taking the lead in the 19th minute when Mulongo capitalised on a poorly handled corner by Bright Stars’ goalkeeper Shamulan Kamya.
Four minutes later, Okello doubled the lead, finishing off a precise cutback from Karim Watambala after an impressive team move.
Vipers nearly added a third in quick succession, with Milton Karisa’s freekick rattling the crossbar and his close-range effort being saved by Kamya.
However, the hosts struck back in the 30th minute through Warren Buule, who slotted in a loose ball to halve the deficit.
Bright Stars came close to equalising in the second half, with captain Nelson Senkatuka’s effort denied by the crossbar.
Despite the sustained pressure, Vipers managed the game with composure to claim all three points at a challenging venue.
The victory sees them climb to the top of the table with 24 points, one ahead of NEC, who were held to a 1-all draw by URA on Thursday.
The Venoms remain unbeaten under Luyinda, having registered six wins and two draws since he and assistant coach Fred Muhumuza took over in October.
Speaking after the game, Muhumuza noted that they didn’t put up the best of performances, but thanked his players for showcasing a winning mentality to secure the win.
“We didn’t put up a very good show. At times we know that players become complacent. But l want to thank the players for the character & energy they exhibited today to get the three points.” Muhumuza noted.
For Bright Stars, the defeat deepens their struggles as they remain rooted at the bottom of the table with just six points from 11 games.
The side, currently without a permanent coach, has lost three consecutive matches by a one-goal margin, leaving them two points adrift of Mbale Heroes in 15th place and five points away from safety.
Next up, Vipers will host BUL at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on December 14, aiming to extend their lead at the top, while the Stars face another tough test as they visit NEC at their slaughterhouse in Lugogo on December 11.
