A late response from Abdulkarim Watambala ensured Vipers SC left Bombo with all three points after edging UPDF FC 2-1 in a tense Uganda Premier League clash at the Military Barracks Grounds.
With title rivals Kitara having trimmed the gap at the summit earlier in the week, the Venoms knew anything short of victory would pile pressure on their title ambitions. They eventually delivered, but not without being pushed to the limit by a resilient UPDF side.
For long spells, Vipers looked the more composed outfit, controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game. Yet the breakthrough remained elusive in a first half that produced few clear chances.
The deadlock was finally broken 11 minutes after the restart when Arafat Usama climbed above the defence to power in a header from Odili Chukwuma’s well-delivered free kick.
UPDF refused to back down and were rewarded in the 80th minute when Enrique Lubwama unleashed a fierce effort that deflected off Rogers Torach and wrong-footed the goalkeeper before finding the net.
The hosts’ celebrations were short-lived. Just five minutes later, Watambala restored Vipers’ advantage, calmly finishing after being picked out by Gusto Mulongo.
That decisive moment proved enough as the Venoms managed the closing minutes to secure the victory and restore their four-point cushion at the top of the table.
The result keeps Vipers firmly on course for a record-extending eighth league crown, while UPDF’s struggles continue. The army side remain second from bottom with 13 points after suffering their 13th defeat of the campaign.
That was a really exciting finish to the match. Watambala’s goal was a brilliant move by the Vipers team.