Tuesday, January 28
*Mbarara City 0-0 Vipers
*Kyetume 0-2 KCCA FC
*Onduparaka FC 2-1 Busoga
*Proline 2-1 Police
*Tooro United 1-1 URA SC
Not an ideal start for new Vipers coach Fred Kajoba following a goalless draw with Mbarara City at Bombo Barracks.
The result sees Vipers’ grip on the title loosen as they move to 43 points, just two points above KCCA who beat Kyetume 2-0 in Jinja.
Paul Mucureezi who was facing his former team had a strong volley after receiving from Bobosi Byaruhanga but drove his volley over.
Paul Willa and Karim Watambala both came close to breaking the deadlock but fired off the target as Vipers settled for a point.
The Ankole Lions never threatened going forward but defended tirelessly despite missing centre back Souleymane Bamba.
Vipers’ goalie Fabien Mutombora denied Swalik Bebe and also easily tamed Ibrahim Orit’s lofty cross.
Vipers remain winless in their last three games, after coming into the game at the back of defeats against Villa and Kajjansi United (Uganda Cup).
Mbarara City who eliminated Kakira United last Monday, have collected 23 points from 19 games.
Also Read – Mbarara Vs Vipers (Preview)
Work Cut Out For Kajoba
After this draw in Bombo, pressure is on the big boss to deliver.
It was always a big ask if one expected Vipers to find it easy against Mbarara who have positively changed since Brian Ssenyondo’s return.
Club’s leading goalscorer Fahad Bayo looked a shadow of himself and was later taken off for Dan Sserunkuma at the hour-mark while Mucureezi lacked enough support and supply.
Full backs Paul Willa and Aziz Kayondo were employed in wingbacks positions but the initiative failed to produce a right spark against a solid Mbarara team.
There have been few talking points from an eventful affair at Bombo but if we are to go with the result, the Venoms have dug themselves a big hole with KCCA set to visit Kitende on February 18.
Each game is going to be like a final from now on – No room for errors.
One of the positives one can pick from Vipers game is the fact that they managed to keep an attacking trio of Ivan Eyam, Brian Ahebwa and Ibrahim Orit at bay.
The two young centre backs of Jacob Okao and Ahmed Amayo showed composure and barely looked shaky in absence of Bashir Asiku and Halid Lwaliwa.
More details to follow
What Next For Both Sides?
Mbarara City FC visit Express FC on Sunday, February 2 before hosting Police FC five days later on.
Vipers will be at home to Onduparaka on Sunday, visit BUL FC and host KCCA FC thereafter.
Teams Used
Mbarara City FC – Tom Ikara, Othieno Stephen, Ronald Otti, Hillary Mukundane, Jasper Aheebwa, Pistis Barenge, Solomon Okwalinga, Bebe Swalik, Ivan Eyam, Brian Aheebwa, Ibrahim Orit.
Vipers SC XI – Fabien Mutombora, Paul Willa, Aziz Kayondo, Jacob Okao, Ahmed Amayo, Geoffrey Wasswa, Ibrahim Tembo, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Karim Watambala, Paul Mucureezi, Fahad Bayo.
