2022/23 Champions: Its sixth heaven for Vipers as they defend League titte for the first time

Vipers Sports Club celebrate their league coronation for for the sixth time | Vipers Image

FOOTBALL 2022/23 Champions: Its sixth heaven for Vipers as they defend League titte for the first time

Allan Damba • 16:28 - 27.05.2023

Vipers SC were at their ruthless best as they trumped Busoga United 5-0 to lift their sixth Uganda Premier League title in history.

The Venoms netted through Yunus Sentamu, Bright Anukani, Martin Kizza and an Abubaker Lawal brace to move to 53 points and defend their title at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday.

The result followed SC Villa’s slip as they fell 1-0 to URA FC at Wankulukuku, to have them move third with 52 points.

Meanwhile, KCCA FC, who beat Soltilo Bright Stars FC 5-0 at the MTN Omondi Stadium, moved to second with 53 points but with an inferior goal difference as compared to Vipers.

The hosts, who made a bright start, had their pressure repaid after Lawal capitalized on a defensive mixup to loop the ball into the net in the 15th minute.

Six minutes later, the Venoms doubled their lead through Sentamu’s thunderbolt from the edge of the box.

It should have been three and four for the hosts in the next ten minutes, but Cromwel Rwothoomio was on both occasions denied by goalkeeper John Okurut.

Nine minutes after restart, Vipers finally made it three after Lawal netted off a beautiful delivery from Ashraf Mandela.

A minute after the hour-mark, substitute Kizza added a fourth with a close range finish past Okurut.

In the 74th minute, Anukani made it five with a delightful finish as Busoga failed to clear a Kizza corner.

While the Venoms should have added more, they couldn’t care less as they walked home to glory, to send the fans to sixth heaven.

How both teams lined up

Vipers: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Isa Mubiru, Ashraf Mandela, Nzau Lutumba, Siraje Ssentamu, Rogers Torach, Abubaker Lawal, Milton Karisa (c), Yunus Sentamu, Bright Anukani.

Substitutions: Denis Kiggundu, Disan Ggaliwango, Martin Kizza, Garcia Mpongo, Omoki, Ibrahim Orit, Najib Yiga

Busoga United: John Okurut (GK), Ibrahim Kayiwa (c), Isaac Isinde, Edrine Opaala, Laban Tibiita, Peter Onzima, Benon Tahomera, Eddy Matovu, Bashamu Mugwa, Fredrick Ngalo, Nicholas Mwere.

Substitutions: M. Lutaaya, C. Mulanda, H. Kintu, R. Mpata, H. Onyango, N. Mutenza, h, Ssajjabi.