Stalemate at Lugogo as KCCA, Vipers share spoils

Title rivals KCCA and Vipers played to a one-all draw in a Uganda Premier League contest played at Lugogo on Thursday.

Brian Nkuubi gave the visitors the lead on 28 minutes before Mike Mutyaba replied for the hosts four minutes into the second half.

Earlier before the deadlock was broken, Nkuubi had a free header over the goal post in the 13^th minutes, thanks to Yayo Lutimba’s cross from the left.

Vipers were unfortunate with a forced change on the quarter hour mark when defender Halid Lwaliwa limped out for Ibrahim Tembo.

Nkuubi lit up the match with sublime finish into the roof of the net inside the goal area following a goal melee.

Mike Mutyaba had two venomous free-kicks miss target from distance

Yayo Lutimba became the first player to be cautioned when he received a yellow card in the 38^th minute for time wasting.

Minutes later, Muzamiru Mutyaba inter-played with Mike Mutyaba to release Allan Okello before the latter shot from distance but Ochan was equal to the task in Vipers’ goal.

Upon restart of the second half, KCCA called for a double change.

The largely ineffective teenage striker Sadat Anaku for Patrick Henry Kaddu and midfielder Jackson Nunda paved way for Abubakar Ali Gift.

Mike Mutyaba brought the game level, combining with Kaddu as he raced towards the goal to finish expertly past goalkeeper Derrick Ochan, four minutes into the second stanza.

Vipers’ Innocent Wafula was cautioned by FIFA Referee Brian Miiro Nsubuga after 51 minutes.

The visitors called for their first change of the game when Tom Masiko was rested for the fresh legs of Abraham Ndugwa after 57 minutes.

The second change came six minutes later when a silent Moses Wasiwa was taken out for left back Azizi Kayondo.

Moments later, Kaddu chest passed for Allan Okello whose shot inside the area brushed off the cross bar.

On 65 minute, Vipers’ goalkeeper Ochan was forced into a finger-tip save after a venomous shot from Muzamiru Mutyaba.

Hassan Musana got booked with 17 minutes to play for unsporting play.

With 10 minutes to the elapse of the game, Lawrence Bukenya was introduced for the injured Mike Mutyaba.

KCCA missed the golden moment to wrap up the game when Kaddu headed onto the cross bar a teasing cross from Okello on the left flank with two minutes to play.

By the close of business for the 90 minutes, either side smiled with a point earned from the draw.

For the second time running, KCCA midfielder Nicholas Kasozi was named man of the match.

KCCA maintained their place at the top of the table standings with 54 points from 26 matches.

Vipers remain second on 50 points from 6 matches.

This is KCCA’s 9th draw of the season, the 11th for Vipers

Team Line Ups:

KCCA XI: Charles Lukwago (G.K), Peter Magambo, Timothy Denis Awany (Captain), Hassan Musana, Mustafa Kizza, Nicholas Kasozi, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Jackson Nunda (46’ Abubakar Ali Gift), Allan Okello, Mike Mutyaba (80’ Lawrence Bukenya), Sadat Anaku (46’ Patrick Henry Kaddu)

Subs Not Used: Tom Ikara (G.K), Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Bernard Muwanga, Herbert Achai

Vipers XI: Derrick Ochan (G.K), Yayo Kato Lutimba, Halid Lwaliwa (14’ Ibrahim Tembo), Henry Katongole, Tadeo Lwanga (Captain), Innocent Wafula, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Brian Nkuubi, Moses Waiswa (63’ Azizi Kayondo), Hamis ‘Diego’ Kiiza, Tom Masiko (57’ Abraham Ndugwa)

Subs Not Used: Fabien Mutombora (G.K), Joseph Janjali, Dan Sserunkuma, Karim Niyigizimana

Head coach: Michael ‘Nam’ Ouma

Match Officials:

• Center Referee: Brian Miiro Nsubuga
• Assistant Referee 1: Dick Okello
• Assistant Referee 2: Ronald Katenya
• Fourth Official: Isa Masembe
• Match Commissioner: Amin Bbosa