2025/26 Uganda Premier League (Match Day 25):
- Vipers 3-0 Entebbe UPPC
Vipers Sports Club recorded a 3-0 home win over Entebbe UPPC on match day 25 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday evening.
Hitman Yunus Junior Sentamu scored a brace and super substitute Gusto Mulongo added the other during the fairly attended played under floodlights.
Sentamu who looked lively right from the opening stanza opened the scoring business four minutes into the second half with a great header after a well executed corner kick from Abdul-Karim Watambala.
He again added the second goal in the 77th minute with a simple tap-in following Enock Ssebagala’s well laid ball.
The third goal arrived three minutes later when Mulongo who had replaced skipper Milton Karisa headed home a great Enock Luyima cross from the left flank.
Vipers needed patience, creativity and diligence to break the resilience of Entebbe UPPC whose defence remained water tight after the opening 45 minutes.
The hosts had commenced on a bright footing when Sentamu’s goal from an off-side position was disallowed as early as the 5th minute.
Seven minutes later, Entebbe UPPC right back Jonathan Gift Odongo was well positioned to tame Sentamu inside the goal area.
On the quarter hour mark, the visitors earned their first corner kick of the game when Ashraf Mandela blocked a Julius Poloto cross from the left flank.
Sentamu maintained his individual brilliance when he beat Odongo and Musitafa Mujjuzi but his goal bound cross-cum-shot was blocked by Isa Mubiru for a corner kick.
Poloto shot over a free-kick from 35 yards after 20 minute.
Entebbe UPPC’s Ambrose Kigozi shot direct a free-kick to goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu when Abraham Tusubira had been fouled by Tadeo Lwanga in the 24th minute.
Moments later, Sam “Tiyo” Kintu, commanding a starting slot for the suspended Isa Bugembe slid at the right timing to defend a cross by Odili Chukwuma off the right wing.
On 33 minutes, the visitors were forced for an early change when Nasur Almahad Sadick replaced the injured Tusubira who suffered a sprain on the left hand.
The best chance of the opening stanza belonged to Entebbe UPPC’s current top scorer Ambrose Kigozi.
The forward capitalized upon a defensive mix up between Kevin DaSlyva and Hillary Mukundane but his shot off the left foot was saved by goalkeeper Kiggundu.
The second half kicked off rather brilliantly for the hosts as Sentamu was well stationed to head home a curling corner kick by Watambala after 49 minutes to set Kitende ablaze.
Watambala shot narrowly over with his magical left foot approaching the hour mark.
Poloto had a cross well defended by Vipers’ outstanding center half DaSlyva in what was the former’s last contribution in the game before he was replaced by Muhammed Kyeyune.
Ssebagala attempted to shot from distance but the effort was way off target with 20 minutes to play.
Kyeyune curled over a free-kick followed a foul on Saddick.
In the 77th minute, Vipers faithful inside the St Mary’s Stadium once again celebrated as Sentamu tapped home from close range for the second goal.
Ssebagala provided the decent assist with a wonderful cut-back.
Immediately, Sentamu was rested for a lively Arafat Usama Kiza in one of the double change that also witnessed skipper Milton Karisa pave way for Congolese import, Gusto Mulongo.
Mulongo swung into action, hitting the side-netting even with Usama by the side as an option to square the ball to.
He made quick amends, heading home the third goal on the evening – thanks to a perfectly weighted cross from the left wing by Enock Luyima.
By this time, the game was surely done and dusted with three points eminent in the bag.
Vipers then called for another double change; Tadeo Lwanga was rested for Paul Patrick Mbowa as Luyima came out for Derrick Ndahiiro at left back.
The visitors also made a double substitution; Noordin Bunjo came for Steven Mungunchi and Laban Tibita (on loan from URA) replaced Hassan Ssenyonjo.
The Venoms protected the lead until the final whistle by referee Nasser Muhammed Kirya that was greeted by wild celebrations.
The Venoms now have 7 points advantage, adrift from the trio of KCCA, SC Villa and Kitara who all have 51 points apiece.
Vipers had also defeated Entebbe UPPC 0-1 during the first round duel played at the Fisheries Training Institute playground in Bugonga last December.
Team Line Ups:
Vipers XI: Denis Kiggundu (G.K), Ashraf Mandela, Enock Luyima, Hilary Mukundane, Da Sylva, Tadeo Lwanga, Enock Ssebagala, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Odili Chukwuma, Abdul Karim Watambala, Milton Karisa (Captain)
Subs: Jack Komakech (G.K), Joseph Marvin Youngman, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Gusto Mulongo, Rogers Torach Ochaki, Paul Patrick Mbowa, Abubakali Walusimbi, Isaac Ogwang, Robin, Derrick Ndahiro, Beyuku, Arafat Usama
Entebbe UPPC XI: Denis Otim (G.K), Jonathan Gift Odongo, Isa Mubiru, Ahmed Amayo, Musitafa Mujuzi (Captain), Sam Kintu, Julius Poloto, Steven Munguchi, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Ambrose Kigozi, Abraham Kakensa Tusubira
Subs: Roges Omedwa (G.K), Nasur Almahad Sadik, Noordin Saddic Bunjo, Samuel Nsubuga, Muhammad Kyeyune, Marvin Mukiibi, George Kiryowa, Charles Okello Batiibwe, Laban Tibiita
Match officials:
- Center Referee: Nasser Muhammed Kirya
- Assistant Referee 1: Brianson Musisi
- Assistant Referee 2: Lydia Nanttabo Wanyama
- Fourth official: Joseph Masembe
- Referee Assessor: Mark Ssonko
- General match coordinator: Paul Kabaikaramu
