Sunday 17th September
•UPDF FC 0-0 URA
•Wakiso Giants 0-3 Maroons
•Arua Hill 0-1 Busoga United
•Gaddafi 1-2 Vipers
Vipers SC started their Uganda Premier League title defence with a 2-1 away win against Gaddafi FC on Sunday evening.
First half goals from Milton Karisa and Mohamed Salem Ekbad were enough as the Venoms got off to a good start.
Benson Muhindo scored Gaddafi’s only goal from the spot as his side suffered defeat.
It was a brilliant start for Vipers who are on the road to defend the title they won last season. It was also a positive start for head coach Leo Nevia who was handling his first UPL game.
And in his first game, Nevia named a strong team that had new signing Salem Mohamed who never disappointed on the day.
Vipers broke the deadlock in the 27th minute through Karisa who collected from Yunus Sentamu’s long ball, before rounding off the keeper to score in an empty net.
Salem, making his league debut, doubled the lead in the 40th minute, tapping in from a rebound after Gaddafi goalkeeper Ochieng had fumbled with Bright Anukani’s initial effort.
In the second half, it was a different story as the hosts came back a rejuvenated side.
And their endless efforts paid off in the 55th minute through Muhindo, who scored from the spot to bring hope to his side.
And there on, Vipers were on the receiving end as Gaddafi searched for a leveller.
Muhindo could have found the needed equaliser late in the game but his effort went just wide when he was in the area.
But in the end, Vipers held on to bag all the three points.
The Kitende side will feel proud for picking up maximum points more so away from home.
For Gaddafi, it was a false start for their new head coach David Mutono and it revealed more work to be done.
How they Started
Gaddafi- Dennis Ochieng GK, Kiyemba Ibrahim, Najib Tusaba, Ssengendo Sharif , Rashid Mukungu, Mpaata Rashid, Amos Kirya, Johnson Odongo, Thomas Ochungo, Benson Muhindo, Douglas Bithum
Vipers – Alex Komaketch Gk, Ashraf Mandela, Murushid Juuko, Rogers Torach, Isa Mubiru, Siraje Sentamu, Abdul Lumala, Bright Anukani , Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa, Mohamed Salem Ekbad
