Forward Milton Karisa scored the lone goal of the game as Vipers edged past BUL FC in the Uganda Premier League game played on Friday at St.Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
After playing out a barren draw against Bright Stars in the opening game of the season, Vipers made sure they made amends on Friday.
The team showed intent to collect maximum points right from onset but the visitors proved a hard nut to crack and kept compact at the back.
Despite making several inroads, BUL remained resilient for the opening half hour mark limiting Tonny Odur.
The first shot at goal came in the 32nd minute with a well curled free kick from Tom Masiko after a foul on youngster Frank “Zaga” Tumwesigye just outside the area.
A minute later, Milton Karisa got the chance to put Vipers ahead but his effort sailed just above the goal area.
He however compensated the chance with three minutes to the mandatory break heading home Yayo Lutimba’s cross from a corner.
The goal eventually turned out to be the deciding moment of the game.
After recess, Vipers kept surging forward and had several other chances to double the lead.
Manager Miguel Da Costa made his first change introducing Hassan Kalega for Tumwesigye.
In the 67th minute, Vipers launched a counter attack and Odur got onto the ball, rounded off the goalkeeper but chose to lay up Karisa rather than to shoot at goal.
Karisa’s effort was on target but BUL FC defender Umar Mukobe cleared the ball off the line with his hand.
A call for a penalty was however turned down by centre referee Joseph Ochom who instead awarded a corner kick.
The manager made his more two changes with Tonny Odur and Brian Nkuubi for Pius Wangi and Stephen Mukwala.
Kalega had a thunderous effort outside the area but goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo tipped the goal bound ball just above to deny him.
The team eventually maintained the lead up to the final whistle to earn all three points.
Miguel indicated the victory brings motivation to the team and will help them improve going forward.
“It is a massive win for us, the game was not easy but most importantly, we got maximum points today. I believe this motivates us going forward,” he said.
Vipers’ next game will be against SC Villa on Saturday next week.
Vipers starting XI
Ismail Watenga, Nicholas Wadada, Yayo Lutimba, Deus Bukenya, Geoffrey Wasswa,Tadeo Lwanga,Tom Masiko, Brian Nkuubi (Stephen Mukwala), Tonny Odur (Pius Wangi), Milton Karisa, Frank Tumwesigye (Hassan Kalega)
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
