Vipers mounted a dramatic second-half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against Express in a Uganda Premier League clash at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Friday evening.
Express looked set for a shock win after Emmanuel Wasswa struck twice in the opening 26 minutes to put the hosts firmly in control.
The forward opened the scoring in the 14th minute before doubling the lead just over 10 minutes later, sending the home fans into early celebrations.
But Vipers responded with intent after the break. Allan Okello pulled one back in the 52nd minute, giving the league leaders a lifeline.
The breakthrough sparked a determined push from the Venoms, who dominated the final stages in search of an equalizer.
Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Congolese forward Gusto Mulongo found the back of the net in the 90+5th minute, salvaging a crucial point for the visitors.
The result sees Vipers remain at the top of the table with 53 points from 23 matches, now two ahead of second-placed NEC.
The two sides are set to face off in a highly anticipated fixture on April 17, a match that could play a defining role in the title race.
Express, meanwhile, remain 10th on the log but will take confidence from pushing the defending champions to the brink.
