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Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC managed a narrow 2-1 victory over Tanzanian side Kagera Sugar FC in an international friendly on Wednesday.
Abdu Lumala's first half strike and another by Brazilian Giancarlo Lopez Rodriguez were enough to guide the Kitende side to victory
Vipers got into early groove and nearly grabbed the opener as early as the second minute, but Milton Karisa's stinging shot was parried over the bar.
They finally broke the deadlock through Lumala's close range finish after the Kagera defence failed to deal with an Ashraf Mandela cross in the 27th minute.
The guests nearly found a leveler but goalkeeper Alfred Macumu Mudekereza was called into action with an outstanding save in the 37th minute.
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It should have been two for the hosts in the 42nd minute, but Isa Mubiru's low drive was denied by the goalkeeper.
Just two minutes after restart, new signing Giancarlo Rodriguez netted a minute after coming on for Vipers' second.
Hamis Diego Kizza then grabbed a consolation for the guests through a 76th minute penalty, after a foul by substitute Fabien Mutombora.
Vipers nearly added a third late on but Giancarlo's sumptuous freekick was brilliantly denied by the Kagera goalkeeper.
After a host of changes, Vipers held on to their slim lead, to get momentum headed into the new season.
How Vipers lined up
Alfred Mudekereza (GK), Isa Mubiru, Ashraf Mandela, Hilary Mukundane, Livingstone Mulondo, Siraje Ssentamu, Tinga, Karim Watambala, Milton Karisa (c), Desire Tety, Abdu Lumala.
Substitutions: Denis Kiggundu, Fabien Mutombora, Grant Matsiko, Martin Kizza, Rodriguez Shamamba, Patrick Mbowa, Bright Anukani, Nzau Lutumba, Richard Matovu, David Bagoole, Rogers Torach, Giancarlo Rodriguez, Marvin Joseph Youngman.
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