Vipers SC reclaimed top spot in the Uganda Premier League with a poignant 1-0 victory over Mbarara City at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Sunday night.
The win, secured through an Allan Okello penalty in the 66th minute, was a fitting tribute to their fallen teammate, Abubakar Lawal, who passed away on Monday, September 24.
It was an evening heavy with emotion. Before kickoff, a moment of silence had been observed across all Matchday 18 fixtures, with the St. Mary’s Stadium particularly solemn.
Vipers players wore green warm-up shirts bearing Lawal’s image and posed for a team photo holding a jersey with his iconic No. 8. The club also donned black armbands in remembrance of their late Nigerian forward.
On the pitch, the Venoms channeled their grief into determination, but Mbarara City proved a stubborn opponent.
The game was a tactical battle, with the visitors pressing aggressively and testing Vipers’ backline.
However, goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza remained composed, making crucial saves to deny efforts from Peter Onzima and Almahad Sadik Nasur.
Vipers had the best chances early on, with veteran right-back Nicholas Wadada making a dangerous run down the flank before his cutback was intercepted.
The hosts continued to push forward, with Abdul Karim Watambala and Kenneth Kimera coming close but failing to find the net.
The breakthrough arrived just past the hour mark when Junior Yunus Sentamu was brought down by Mbarara City goalkeeper Abdul Kimera in the penalty area.
Referee Rahuman Atiku pointed to the spot despite protests from the visitors, and Okello stepped up to send Kimera the wrong way, calmly converting his 14th goal of the season.
Mbarara City, playing without their head coach Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, thought they had equalised in the 75th minute, but Henry Kitegenyi’s goal was ruled offside.
The visitors made attacking changes in search of a late response, but Vipers’ defense, led by the resolute Livingstone Mulondo, stood firm to see out the victory.
With the win, Vipers now sit atop the 16-team standings with 43 points, three clear of NEC, having won 13 of their 18 matches, and are beaten since their opening day loss to the latter.
Mbarara City, meanwhile, suffered their eighth defeat of the campaign and remain in 12th place with 20 points.
Elsewhere, KCCA’s search for a first league win in 2025 continued as they played out a goalless draw with Maroons in Luzira, while SC Villa’s struggles on the road persisted with a 2-0 defeat to UPDF in Bombo.
The Uganda Premier League action resumes on Monday, 3rd March, when Express hosts Wakiso Giants at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Express, currently eighth with 25 points, will look to bounce back, while Wakiso Giants, struggling with just 13 points from 17 matches, seek a crucial win to at least ease their relegation struggles.
