Odur magic inspires Vipers past wasteful URA

• Uganda Premier League:
• Vipers 1-0 URA
• Soana 2-1 Onduparaka

Striker Tonny Odur acrobatically struck home the day’s lone strike in Vipers’ slim 1-0 victory over URA FC at St Mary’s stadium, Kitende on Saturday.

On a wet playing turf following the earlier rains, the game remained open for the two sides until the decisive moment in the 59^th minute.

Odur, an earlier culprit in the opening stanza of the game when he missed an open header off a Frank  ‘Zagga’ Tumwesigye delivery, was this time spot on.

The experienced center forward volleyed yet another Wadada cross from the right to ignite loud cheers from the stands.

URA missed a couple of chances to put the game to bed, and later to make amends and at least smile home with a point.

Midfielder Shafiq Kagimu missed their best chance after 25 minutes when he was set up by Hamis Kiiza.

Kiiza himself, second half substitute Bokota Labama Kamana also came close as the game progressed.

Miguel Da Costa introduced Brian Nkuubi 10 minutes after the game re-start for Moses Waiswa who had an average day at office.

Erisa Ssekisambu came in for Pius Wangi a minute after a hour mark and goal hero Odur limped out for burly young center forward Francis Onekalit.

Onekalit nearly rewarded the coach’s faith when he had a one against one incident after a defence splitter from midfielder Frank ‘Zagga’ Tumwesigye.

The former Layibi College student was hesitant to execute the shot and utilize the full advantage as the ball was cleared off his foot.

URA’s Ibrahim Kirya brought on board striker Bokota for Ali Feni after 63 minutes. Peter Lwasa replaced Ronald Kigongo and center forward Richard Wandyaka took the place of midfielder Jimmy Kibirige Lule barely 8 minutes to the full time mark.

FIFA Referee Mashood Ssali, handling his third consecutive game at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende blew for full time as home fans, players and the technical bench all celebrated wildly the precious  three points.

Although Vipers remains third on the 16 team log with 45 points, they inch closer to run away leaders KCCA (who have 51 points).

Vipers has however played a game more than the reigning champions.

URA on the other hand remains 4^th on 41 points from 26 games played.

Team Line ups:

Vipers XI: Ismail Watenga (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Captain), Dan Bilikwarila, Geofrey Wasswa, Halid Lwaliwa, Deus Bukenya, Kezironi Kizito, Moses Waiswa (55’ Brian Nkuubi), Frank ‘Zagga’ Tumwesigye, Tonny Odur (81’ Francis Onekalit), Pius Wangi (61’ Erisa Ssekisambu)

Subs Not used: James Alitho (G.K), Siraje Sentamu, Milton Karisa, Brian Kakaire

URA XI: Alionzi Nafian (G.K), Fred Okot, Sam Ssekito, Jimmy Kulaba (Captain), Julius Ntambi, Jimmy Kibirige Lule (82’ Richard Wandyaka), Ronald Kigongo (73’ Peter Lwasa), Saidi Kyeyune, Hamis ‘Diego’ Kiiza, Fenis Moses Ali (63’ Bokota Labama Kamana), Shafiq Kagimu

Subs Not Used: Mathias Muwanga (G.K), Richard Kasagga Jjuuko, Nicholas Kagaba, Allan Munaaba

Match Officials:
Referee: Mashood Ssali

1^st Assistant Referee: Lydia Nagadya

2^nd Assistant Referee: Noah Friday

4^th Official: Denis Batte