Uganda Premier League
Maroons FC 1-1 Vipers SC
Luzira Prisons Stadium, Luzira
Friday, 22-11-2019
LUZIRA – Fahad Bayo maintained his fine start to life at Vipers SC as he scored in the 1-1 draw away to Maroons FC on Friday afternoon.
The striker who netted his 9th goal of the campaign on the day, slotted in from the spot in the 61st minute in a game that saw referee Nassar Muhammad come under constant scrutiny.
Before Bayo did beat Hannington Ssebwalunyo from 12 yards, the penalty was contested by Maroons’ players and staff who were of the view that it shouldn’t have been awarded.
Paul Willa tried to cross into the area but the ball bounced off Timothy Bamulanzeki’s chest before it hit his arm. First assistant referee Okello Lee signaled for a penalty despite consistent protests by the home side’s players.
Earlier, Maroons had taken the lead through Fred Amaku who slotted into an empty net after Vipers failed to clear their lines following a Ceaser Orega free kick.
It was a game of several controversies and Maroons will feel they were denied two clear penalties.
The first came in the opening half when Abraham Tusubiraa was taken down by Rahmat Ssenfuka as he tried to pounce onto a rebound after his initial header was parried by Fabien Mutombora.
With time running out in the second half, Felix Okot looked to have been fouled by Ssenfuka in the area but once again, Muhammad waved play on.
Vipers created chances before and after scoring but could not pounce.
In the opening exchanges, Allan Kayiwa lined up a cross for Abraham Ndugwa but the former Masavu FC captain headed into the side net.
Goeffrey Wasswa then sent a free kick wide before Ssebwalunyo hooked out a dangerous Ashraf Mugume low cross.
Willa is know for having a fierce right-footed strike and he tried his luck from distance but could not work Ssebwalunyo.
In the second period, Will sent another long range effort over while Bayo twice missed the target from promising positions.
Maroons too had chances of their own.
Amaku wiggled through the Vipers defence but shot weakly at Vipers custodian Fabien Mutombora.
Obuya then shot from distance but his effort went straight at Mutombora.
Amaku could have won the game for Maroons but the forward failed to beat Mutombora in a one-on-one situation after Rashid Agau robbed Wasswa of the ball.
The result ensures Vipers remain top of the log with 34 points from 15 games while Maroons are 7th with 20 points.
How both teams started
Maroons FC
Hannington Ssebwalunyo (GK), Edward Kabona, Martin Mpuga, Timothy Bamulanzeki, Ceaer Orega, Felix Okot, Devis Mayanja, Abraham Tusubira, Pius Obuya, Solomon Walusimbi, Fred Amaku
Vipers SC
Fabien Mutombora (GK), Paul Willa, Aziz Kayondo, Geoffrey Wasswa, Bashir Asiku, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Ashraf Mugume, Frank Tumwesigye, Allan Kayiwa, Abraham Ndugwa, Fahad Bayo
