Uganda Premier League 2024-2025 (Matchday 2):
- Vipers 3-0 Express
Vipers Sports Club registered their first win of the 2024-2025 season with a resounding 3-0 result over Express on matchday two at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Thursday, 19th September 2024.
Team captain Milton Karisa scored a brace and second-half substitute Asiwome Fumador added the other goal.
Karisa struck in either half of the floodlit game, and Fumador scored the third goal with five minutes to play.
This was a perfect bounce from the opening day 3-1 defeat away to NEC on match day one at the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo.
The Vipers’ technical docket led by Serbian tactician Nikola Kavazovic rung a couple of changes from the team that lost on Sunday.
Defenders Hilary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Annest Ankunda, and Yunus Ssentamu all started the game handled by FIFA Referee Mashood Ssali.
On the other hand, Express made three changes to the team that beat Mbale Heroes 2-1 at Hamz Stadium on Monday night.
Ronald Muwanguzi, John Asiimwe and Alpha Thierry Ssali all started.
The home team commenced with vigour and as early as the second minute defender Mustafa Kizza thwarted their attempt.
Industrious forward Kenneth Kimera then raced to the byline and his cut back was intercepted by defender Derrick Ngobi for a corner kick.
On the fifth minute mark, Vipers’ defender Rogers Torach poked the face of Samuel Ssenyonjo, a foul that was called against the Venoms.
Allan Okello had an attempt off target with the weaker right foot in the 7th minute.
Three minutes later, Express goalkeeper Michael Kagiri reacts quicker off the goal to foil a Vipers’ move.
On the break, it happened at the opposite end as Vipers’ goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu came out of the goal area to make a clearance that landed to midfielder Daniel Shabena who shot off target.
By the opening quarter-hour mark, it seemed to be an end-to-end affair as Kimera shot wide with the left foot and after a counter, Express vastly experienced midfielder Saidi Kyeyune shot over from 25 yards.
Okello then had a goal-bound shot deflected for a corner kick before skipper Karisa brought the dead-lock in the 21st minute.
Karisa was quicker to pounce home the spills from goalie Kagiri following Annet Ankunda’s initial effort.
Almost sixty seconds unto restart, Kimera nearly doubled the lead for the hosts but Express recovered swiftly to defend well.
Vipers’ goalkeeper Kiggundu came off with a save off Samuel Ssenyonjo from 20 yards in the 24th minute before Yunus Ssentamu also had a distant shot flying over.
There was a great interplay between Yunus Ssentamu and Kimera before the former curled away the ball.
Express had a golden moment to equalize in the 38th minute but Ssenyonjo missed contact after Alpha Ssali’s effort.
The final build-up of the opening half belonged to the hosts when a sweet zero pass from Moses Waiswa found Abdul Karim Watambala who shot way off target from 35 yards.
Vipers carried a slim 1-0 heading to the mandatory halftime break.
The Red Eagles called for the first change of the game as the second half kicked off.
Geofrey Gganganga replaced Abbel Ssajjabi Muwanguzi.
Defender Hilary Mukundane was well stationed to head away the ball as Express attacked.
Express left back Mustafa Kizza had a cross from the left fly across the Vipers’ goal.
In the 57th minute, a would be second goal for Vipers from Rogers Torach header was ruled after an off-side call.
Express called for a double change on the hour mark.
John Assimwe and Rashid Abdulahi Kawawa were introduced for Alpha Ssali and Ronald Mawa Andabati respectively.
Five minutes later, the home side also made a double subsistution.
Enock Luyima replaced Yunus Ssentamu and Abdul Karim Watambala paved way for Ghanian import Asiwome Fumador.
Moses Waiswa was also rested for the hard tackling midfielder Siraje Ssentamu in the 68th minute.
Rashid Kawawa mis-kicked the ball where it mattered most, inside the Vipers’ goal area, an opportunity for Express to equalize ruined.
Milton Karisa scored the second goal for Vipers in the 76th minute following a goal melee.
Express reacted with a change; resting Kyeyune for Charles Ssembalirwa with ten minutes left on the mark.
With eight minutes to left on the clock; Vipers made two final changes.
Kimera was taken off for Gusto Wa Ilungo Mulongo and skipper Karisa got rested for right back Grant Matisko
Asiwome Fumador finished easily following Mulongo’s laid ball inside the goal area with six minutes to play.
At this time, it was done and dusted. The victory had been sealed and maximum points secured in the bag.
Fans jubilated in the stands upon the final whistle from FIFA Referee Ssali as the players and officials acknowledged their support.
Team Line Ups:
Vipers XI: Derrick Kiggundu (G.K), Livingstone Mulondo, Hilary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Abdul Karisa Watambala (65’ Asiwome Fumador), Milton Karisa [(Captain) 82’ Grant Matisko], Moses Waiswa (68’ Siraje Ssentamu), Allan Okello, Kenneth Kimera (82’ Gusto Wa Ilungo Mulongo), Annest Ankunda, Yunus Ssentamu (65’ Enock Luyima)
Subs Not Used: Alfred Mudekereza (G.K), Bashir Ssekagya, Derrick Ndahiro, Mohamed Salem Ekbad, Nicholas Wadada, Isa Bugembe, Ivan Mbowa
Express XI: Michael Kagiri (G.K), Ashraf Mbaziira, Mustafa Kizza, Dawson Mafumu, Derrick Ngoobi (Captain), Abbel Ssajjabi Muwanguzi (47’ Geofrey Ssajjabi), Ronald Mawa Andabati (60’ Rashid Abdulahi Kawawa), Daniel Shabena, Samuel Ssenyonjo, Saidi Kyeyune (80’ Charles Ssembalirwa), Alpha Thierry Ssali (60’ John Assimwe)
Subs Not Used: Michael Kimera Kibi, Isa Lumu, Kalyowa, Eddy Ssebandeke, Conrad Ssenjogera, Steven Timothy Ssenfuma
Match officials:
- Center Referee: Mashood Ssali
- 2nd Assistant Referee: Ivan Lubwama
- Fourth official: Shamirah Nabadda
- Match commissioner: Jean Sseninde Namayega
- Referee Assessor: Margaret Kubingi
Other results on Thursday, 19th September 2024:
- Kitara 1-2 NEC
- UPDF 1-0 Lugazi United
