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.

Milton Karisa celebrates

Saidi Kyeyune looks on as Vipers Watambala and Hilary Mukundane close on

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.

Allan Okello ahead of Saidi Kyeyune

Alpha Thierry Ssali holds his head

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.

Vipers XI Vs Express | Credit: John Batanudde

Team Line Ups:

Vipers XI: Derrick Kiggundu (G.K), Livingstone Mulondo, Hilary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Abdul Karisa Watambala, Milton Karisa (Captain), Moses Waiswa, Allan Okello, Kenneth Kimera, Annest Ankunda, Yunus Ssentamu

Subs: Alfred Mudekereza (G.K), Bashir Ssekagya, Grant Matsiko, Derrick Ndahiro, Siraje Ssentamu, Mohamed Salem Ekbad, Nicholas Wadada, Enock Luyima, Isa Bugembe, Asiwome Fumador, Ivan Mbowa, Gusto Wa Ilungo Mulongo

Express XI Vs Vipers | Credit: John Batanudde Credit: John Batanudde

Express XI: Michael Kagiri (G.K), Ashraf Mbaziira, Mustafa Kizza, Dawson Mafumu, Derrick Ngoobi (Captain), Abbel Ssajjabi Muwanguzi (47’ Geofrey Ssajjabi), Ronald Mawa Andabati, John Asiimwe, Ssenyonjo, Saidi Kyeyune, Alpha Thierry Ssali

Subs: Michael Kimera Kibi, Geoffrey Gagganga, Isa Lumu, Kalyowa, Charles Ssembalirwa, Eddy Ssebandeke, Conrad Ssenjogera, Steven Timothy Ssenfuma, Daniel Shabena, Abdulahi Rashid

Match officials:

Center Referee: Mashood Ssali

1st Assistant Referee: Jane Mutonyi

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

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