Vipers SC once again showed the hallmark of champions, the refusal to surrender, as Abdul Karim Watambala struck late to hand the Venoms a dramatic 2–1 victory over UPDF FC at the Bombo Barracks Military Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The league leaders looked headed for a frustrating night after UPDF fought back to level the match late on, but Vipers summoned their now familiar resilience to snatch victory in the dying moments.
It was another reminder of the Venoms’ growing reputation this season: a team that refuses to back down when the pressure rises.
Vipers had started the game on the front foot and nearly made an immediate breakthrough. Just three minutes in, Chukwuma whipped in a dangerous delivery from the left flank that threatened to cause chaos in the UPDF area, but defender Da Sylva reacted quickly to clear the danger.
UPDF gradually grew into the contest and began testing the Vipers backline with some promising attacking moves. Enrique Lubwama produced a neat piece of skill to beat Enock Luyima before rushing his cross, while Emmanuel Ochen later floated a delivery that sailed beyond the waiting attackers.
Despite the hosts’ moments of promise, it was Vipers who eventually struck first. Arafat Usama Kiza broke the deadlock for the visitors to give the table leaders the advantage and momentarily quieten the home crowd.
UPDF, however, refused to go down without a fight. With ten minutes remaining, Lubwama capitalized on a lapse in concentration to draw the hosts level and ignite belief around the stadium that the soldiers could claim a crucial result.
Just when the game appeared to be drifting toward a draw, Watambala stepped up with a decisive late intervention. The midfielder found the breakthrough in the closing stages, restoring Vipers’ lead and ensuring the Venoms walked away with all three points.
It was the second time in a matter of days that Vipers had shown their unyielding mentality. Last Saturday, it was veteran forward Yunus Sentamu who delivered a late winner against Mbarara City FC to secure victory in similarly dramatic fashion.
Moments like these are becoming a defining trait of the Venoms’ title charge, a team that keeps pushing, keeps believing, and often finds a way when it matters most.
The victory marked Vipers’ 14th win in 20 league matches and stretched their lead at the summit of the Uganda Premier League table to four points ahead of second-placed Kitara FC.
For UPDF, the defeat deepens their troubles. It was their 13th loss of the campaign, leaving them stuck on 13 points and increasingly entangled in the relegation battle.
The soldiers will look to revive their survival hopes when they travel to Luzira to face Maroons FC on Saturday.
Vipers, meanwhile, return home with confidence surging as they prepare to host Calvary in their next fixture.
