Vipers Sports Club lost some ground as the race to catch up with table leaders KCCA ensued after exhibiting a disjointed display in a scrappy goalless draw against Tooro United FC.
Coach Javier Martinez Espinoza made five changes to the side that lost against CS Constantine of Algeria in the Caf Champions League the previous weekend as the Venoms dropped to Confederations Cup.
Fabien Mutombora replaced Derrick Ochan in goal as did Aggrey Madoi for Yayo Lutimba at left back, in midfield Brian Nkuubi, Moses Waiswa, and Kenyan import Noah Wafula paved way for Duncan Sseninde, Abraham Ndugwa and Brian Kalumba respectively.
Everything looked under control in the early stages of the game as in the 12th minute, Kalumba was released by Geofrey Wasswa but hesitated to shoot and instead crossed a poor ball through the area when scoring looked easy.
As the game progressed, the visitors gained confidence and started dictating matters against a lacklustre Vipers as Allan Kayiwa and Willy Kavuma asked our defence some questions but Halid Lwaliwa’s marshalled backline stood firm.
It was alarming to witness seemingly tired bodies on the pitch without any efforts to win against a team Vipers had never lost to in the previous 10 encounters.
Tooro United fought wildly for every ball and were able to feast on so many stray Vipers passes as Kalumba was jittery making basic errors but was kept on the field for long spells.
On a quite afternoon for most of Vipers players, Dan Serunkuuma rammed the crossbar with a header in the 30th minute from Aggrey Madoi’s cross in one of the few moments to write about.
In a bid to change proceedings, the Mexican made second half changes bringing on Moses Waiswa, Davis Kasirye and Joseph Janjali for Kalumba, Sserunkuuma and Sseninde respectively but to no effect as the game continued to look dull.
The second half had very few moments as it was mainly played in the middle of the pack though Waiswa forced a save from Tooro goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa with a well struck freekick after Kasirye had been impeded at the box edge.
In the end, Vipers managed to salvage a point with a rather unconvincing performance to maintain second position on the table log five points behind table leaders KCCA FC with two games in hand.