Vipers SC delivered their most ruthless attacking performance of the season as they thrashed UPDF FC 5–1 under the St Mary’s Stadium lights in Kitende on Tuesday night, a victory that lifted the Venoms to third place on 16 points.
The result puts them just a point behind joint leaders KCCA FC and SC Villa while still holding two games in hand leaving their title hopes fully alive. UPDF, meanwhile, remain third from bottom on six points as their struggles continue.
After a cagey start marked by stoppages and missed half-chances, Vipers eventually found their rhythm and overwhelmed the army side with a burst of goals. Milton Karisa opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark, finishing off Gusto Mulongo’s delivery with precision. Four minutes later, Mulongo doubled the lead, sweeping in after Allan Okello’s neat assist.
The match erupted into life in added time of the first half: Samuel Ssekamate briefly pulled one back for UPDF in the 45+1 minute, but Vipers responded immediately, with Mulongo restoring the two-goal cushion a minute later off an Afrafat Usama cross to make it 3–1 at the break.
The second half turned into a one-way show. Robin Kane extended the lead in the 55th minute after sustained pressure, and substitute Moses Waiswa added Vipers’ fifth in the 74th minute, finishing a move initiated by Ashraf Mandela.
UPDF made several changes in search of stability, but the Venoms remained dominant, controlling possession and creating chances until the final whistle. Goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza also survived a late scare after going down injured but eventually completed the match.
By full time, the scoreline reflected Vipers’ superiority and sent a clear warning to the teams above them that the Venoms are far from done in the title chase.
What a fantastic display from Vipers! It’s amazing to see them playing with such confidence and scoring so many goals.