Uganda Premier League
Vipers SC 0-0 KCCA FC
St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
Tuesday, 18-02-2020
Vipers SC and KCCA FC played out a scoreless draw in their Uganda Premier League fixture played at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Tuesday afternoon.
It was a cagey encounter played in under the scorching sun and with either side more intent on not conceding, clear cut chances were few and far between.
The best chance of the game fell to Vipers’ striker Fahad Bayo but after latching onto a debutant Milton Karisa through ball, he could not beat Charles Lukwago as the custodian spread himself-big to block the effort out for a fruitless corner.
The result means Vipers remain top of the pile with 50 points, five ahead of KCCA who sit in second.
KCCA FC fails Vipers’ away task once again
KCCA FC have always found it hard playing away to Vipers SC.
Since 2010, the Kasasiros have not defeated Vipers in their own back yard, losing five and drawing the other three of their past eight visits prior to Tuesday.
They were however feeling confident going into the game having not lost to Vipers in their last four meetings, winning twice and drawing as many times.
However, knowing that they needed to win to get right back into the running for the title, KCCA could not find the three vital points in the end.
They looked the better side for huge spells in the contest but struggled to curb-open the Vipers’ defence.
Kizza dragged an effort wide in the opening exchanges before Mike Mutyaba saw an effort charged down by Innocent Wafula.
Ssekisambu then latched onto a Filbert Obenchan lobbed pass but after forcing Halid Lwaliwa into a mistake, dragged his effort wide.
The returning Muzamir Mutyaba forced a low save from Fabien Mutombora moments after Mustafa Kizza had sent a free kick just over.
The second half was more balanced and KCCA FC had to up their defensive efforts. They however still went forward and created some openings.
Muzamir forced a save from Mutombora off an effort from outside the area before both Mike Mutyaba and Gift Ali saw their respective efforts from distance comfortably saved by the Burundian custodian.
Late in the game, Erisa Ssekisambu curled an effort towards the bottom-left corner but Mutombora parried it away to safety in spectacular fashion.
Vipers maintain healthy five-point lead
Vipers came into the game knowing that they would have one hand to the title if they avoided defeat to their closest challengers.
With Fred Kajoba in charge, who better to see that out in such an important game?
The Venoms may have been second best on the day but looked dangerous going forward on certain occasions.
Bayo forced a low save from Lukwago after the striker was played through on goal by Karisa.
Geoffrey Wasswa then forced the custodian into a finger-tip save off a curling free kick.
With halftime beckoning, Rahmat Ssenfuka saw a shot brilliantly blocked by Peter Magambo after Allan Kayiwa had beaten Moses Aliro and left him for dead inside the 18 yard box.
Bobosi Byaruhanga then headed wide a Wasswa free kick before substitute Karim Watambala failed to beat Lukwago from a tight angle after twisting his way into the area.
It is a result that seems to favour Vipers as they remain top but one that KCCA FC will take on the day as they remain within touching distance of the Venoms.
How both teams started
Vipers SC
Fabien Mutombora (GK), Innocent Wafula, Geoffrey Wasswa, Halid Lwaliwa, Bashir Asiku, Siraje Ssentamu, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Milton Karisa, Tito Okello, Fahad Bayo.
KCCA FC
Charles Lukwago (GK), Ramathan Musa, Peter Magambo, Filbert Obenchan, Mustafa Kizza, Moses Aliro, Gift Ali, Kezironi Kizito, Muzamir Mutyaba, Erisa Ssekisambu, Mike Mutyaba.
