Vipers strengthened their hold at the top of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Police FC at Kavumba Recreation Ground on Thursday.
Yunus Sentamu delivered the decisive moment just three minutes into the second half, turning in a precise cutback from Allan Okello to settle a tense encounter.
The victory extended Vipers’ lead at the summit to 46 points, six ahead of NEC, who face Wakiso Giants in their game in hand on Friday.
The visitors knew the stakes were high and controlled proceedings early on, but a well-organised Police defense proved stubborn in the first half.
Sentamu thought he had broken the deadlock in the 27th minute when he slotted home from close range, but the assistant referee’s flag denied him the opener for offside.
Despite their struggles in the final third, the Venoms refused to relent. Just after the break, Okello who had been deployed in an advanced midfield role, made a surging run down the left before delivering a pinpoint pass that Sentamu calmly converted at the far post.
Vipers continued to push for a second, with Okello, Karim Watambala, and Enock Luyima all squandering promising chances.
At the other end, Police struggled to pose a significant attacking threat, and the Venoms held on for their 14th win of the season, while the Cops suffered their 5th loss.
The defeat deepens Police’s relegation fears, leaving them 12th on 20 points, just seven points above the drop zone.
