Back in business: Vipers tame UPDF to move up three places

Vipers players celebrate a goal against UPDF|VIPERS SC IMAGE

UPL Back in business: Vipers tame UPDF to move up three places

Allan Damba • 19:29 - 05.04.2024

Having played two games fewer, Vipers are three points behind leaders Kitara FC, who lost 1-0 to NEC FC on Thursday in Lugogo.

Six-time Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC are back in serious contention for this season's championship after a narrow yet important 2-1 victory over UPDF FC on Friday.

Allan Okello and Erik Kenzo Kambale salvaged the much-needed three points at the St Mary's Stadium, Kitende for the Venoms.

Allan Okello in action|TONI KAMAU IMAGE

The result had the Kitende side ascend from fifth to second on the log, having garnered 41 points in 21 matches.

Having played two games fewer, Vipers are three points behind leaders Kitara FC, who lost 1-0 to NEC FC on Thursday in Lugogo.

Vipers also sit just one point ahead of SC Villa, BUL FC and NEC FC, who are placed third, fourth and fifth, respectively.

Meanwhile, on the evening in Kitende, Okello broke the deadlock after just 11 minutes, with a curling and swerving drive from the right past goalkeeper Richard Anyama.

It should have been two five minutes later, but Frank Katongole missed from point-blank range after superb individual work from Okello.

Nine minutes into the second half, Kambale added a second with a near-post finish after a through ball from Moses Waiswa.

On the other hand, Henry Tenywa then grabbed UPDF's consolation in the 72nd minute to guarantee a nervy ending to the match.

UPDF are now second from bottom having collected 16 points in 22 matches.

Vipers will return to action with a potential title-decider against third-placed Villa on Tuesday, while UPDF will host fellow strugglers Gaddafi FC on April 16.