Vipers will have a two goal away advantage in the second leg of the Uganda Cup on Sunday when they host KCCA thanks to a 2-0 win in the first leg at Nakivubo stadium.
Erisa Ssekisambu and Alfred Leku scored a goal apiece as Vipers took charge from the first whistle.
In a game that attracted among others the KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi and the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Kawowo Sports Ismael Kiyonga rates the players on either side on the day
KCCA:
Benjamin Ochan 5.0: He takes no blame for either goal but looked unstable and nervy at moments. He made a crucial save in the first half to keep the hosts into the game.
Sakka Mpiima 5.0: He was played as part of the three centre backs but struggled in one on one situations especially against the flying Joseph Semujju.
Joseph Ochaya 4.0: The lanky defender cum midfielder was at fault for Vipers second goal. Known for pace, he was beaten at his own game by the marauding Nicholas Wadada who laid for Alfred Leku.
Timothy Awani 5.5: Alongside his partners, he takes a blame for both goals as he allowed Vipers forward so much time on the ball in dangerous areas. He however made one brilliant block in the first to deny Semujju from shooting at goal.
Richard Ayiko 5.0: He surprisingly started ahead of Habib Kavuma and Martin Mpuuga and was bullied by the giant Leku throughout the game. He had to endure over 15 minutes with an injury after the team had exhausted all substitutes.
Sulaimon Akinyemi 5.5: He was not the usual Nigerian import KCCA fans have loved to watch all season. He did start slowly but improved as the game went on.
Godfrey Ssembatya 3.5: He was fielded as the main defensive midfielder but his first touch always saw him lose possession to the enterprising Vipers attackers. No wonder, he was replaced at half time.
Muzamiru Mutyaba 4.5: When he is on fire, he is unplayable but always bad on off days. This was one of the latter as he was outmuscled by Siraje Sentamu and Deus Bukenya.
Emma Magembe 3.0: Like the norm has always been, he doesn’t perform when he starts. It was no different as he struggled through the game until he was replaced with Poloto after the break.
Herman Wasswa 4.5: Although he lacked service, he cut a lazy figure and looked disinterested. His only telling contribution was chest pass to Magembe that was cleared by the visitors defence. Came off for Nelson Ssenkatuka.
Ceaser Okhuti 5.0: He missed the first clear cut chance of the game in the opening minute when his lame effort was saved by Watenga. He was full of running but without an end product just like his game has been since joining KCCA.
SUBSTITUTES
Hakim Senkumba 5.5: His introduction gave KCCA some dominance in the middle of the pack and did try to unlock the visitors’ defence with key passes.
Julius Poloto 4.0: He came on for Magembe but had little impact as he was keenly under check by Birikwalira.
Nelson Senkatuka 4.5: He replaced Wasswa 25 minutes to the end but despite being full of energy, he was allowed no space by the organised Vipers’ backline.
COACH: Mike Mutebi 5.0:
His choice of Godfrey Ssembatya ahead of Hakim Ssenkumba opened his team to attack in the first half but made good changes in the second half to try get a consolation.
VIPERS
Ismail Watenga 6.0: Rarely tested but whenever they did, he kept everything under control. He organised his defence well and also distributed the ball nicely.
Nicholas Wadada 7.0: The right back was at his mercurial best as he didn’t only defend but also assisted the second goal.
Dan Birikwalira 7.0: He is a real definition of size matters less. Whatever was thrown at him, he dealt with it well. First was Magembe and then Poloto but he came top of all battles.
Halid Lwaliwa 7.5: He read the game well, kept Herman Wasswa silent as well as forced Ceaser Okhuti out wide.
Shafik Bakaki 7.0: The former Express man seems to have discovered his A game. He won every aerial battle and was strong on ground as well.
Siraje Ssentamu 7.5: The team’s unsung hero continued his heroics. He won almost all tackles against KCCA attackers and gave the back four the much needed cover.
Deus Bukenya 7.5: His partnership with Sentamu saw Vipers dominate the middle of the pack. Besides winning possession with ease, Bukenya effortlessly split the hosts’ defence with sublime passes that saw the svisiting crowd cheer relentlessly.
Joseph Semujju 7.0: His positioning especially in the first half saw him picked out by his teammates and he sliced the KCCA defenders like a knife in butter. Whenever he had possession, the opposing fans nearly held their breath.
Keziron Kizito 8.0: The link between the defence and attack. Kez as famously known all over the place twisting and turning the opponents and often played that lovely through balls especially when the team opted for a counter attacking game midway the second half.
Alfred Leku 8.5: The giant young forward led the line well as he gave the KCCA back three a torrid afternoon. He wins the man of the match award for his goal and assist.
Erisa Ssekisambu 8.0: He beat the offside trap and then the goalie before slotting home into an empty net. Unfortunate to score just once as he hit the cross bar in the first half. He limped off in the second half for Duncan Sseninde.
SUBSTITUTES
Duncan Sseninde 6.0: He played well when he came on but should have scored but hesitated to shoot when through on goal.
Hassan Kalega 6.0: Came on for the skillful Semujju and held up play up well. He however missed a good opportunity to put the result beyond KCCA when he missed when it looked easier to net.
Pius Wanji N/a: He came on late for Leku
COACH: George ‘Best’ Nsimbe 8.0:
The former KCCA tactician picked a good line up for the game. Two blocking midfielders in Ssentamu and Bukenya gave Vipers numbers in midfield but also starting the lanky Leku as the lone centre forward was also a masterstroke.
