Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC shattered a long-standing hoodoo on Wednesday, storming Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo to claim a commanding 3-0 win over Express FC, their first away victory against the Red Eagles since the 2017/18 season.
Until this latest triumph, Express had proven a stubborn host, winning once and forcing five draws in their last six home meetings with the Venoms.
Vipers’ previous away success dated back to the 2016/17 campaign, when goals from Milton Karisa and Erisa Ssekisambu secured a 2-1 win, with Dan Sserunkuma netting Express’ consolation.
This time, however, there was no room for doubt.
The home side started brightly, pressing Vipers early and engineering half-chances. Mikidadi Ssenyonga nearly produced a spectacular opener with a curling free kick in the 9th minute, only for Alfred Mudekereza to stretch out and claw the ball away. Moments later, Muhammad Ssenoga flashed a header inches wide following a fine delivery from John Asiimwe.
After riding out the early pressure, Vipers began to dictate play. Usama Arafat signalled the visitors’ intent with a stinging strike that forced Ali Mwirusi into a full-stretch save on the half-hour mark.
The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute. Express failed to clear their lines, gifting Enock Ssebagala the chance to stab home from close range, a punishment for sloppy defending.
Express nearly responded before halftime when Richard Basangwa rattled the crossbar with a powerful volley, but Vipers carried their lead into the break.
The second half belonged entirely to the visitors. Allan Okello doubled the cushion in the 66th minute after latching onto a brilliant defence-splitting pass from Usama, finishing with composure. Three minutes later, Okello turned creator, setting up Isaac Ogwang, who drilled home the third to seal the contest.
With the win, Vipers rise to fourth on the table with a perfect 12 points from four games, while Express remain 10th on nine points from eight matches.
For the Venoms, the result was more than just three point, it was the end of a seven-year wait, a silenced bogey ground, and a powerful reminder of their title ambitions.
