Kajoba starts reign with improved performance despite stalemate

STARTIMES UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE

January 28, 2020 @Bombo Barracks Ground

Mbarara City FC 0-0 Vipers SC

On just his third day in office as Vipers coach, Fred Kajoba was full of optimism as the Venoms shared the spoils with Mbarara City FC at Bombo Barracks Ground in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) on Tuesday.

Kajoba and Ibrahim Mugisha only appointed as Edward Golola and Richard Wasswa’s replacements on Sunday (January 26), were eager to get off their reigns on a winning note but nevertheless managed to cut contented postures after the final whistle as the match had been one of scanty opportunities.

Despite the barren draw, we stayed atop the SUPL log with 43 points but our lead was cut to just two points because second-placed KCCA won 2-0 away to Kyetume at the Mighty Arena in Jinja to increase their tally to 41.

Changing fortunes

The hosts had a better opening half with Vipers proving their mental toughness in the subsequent segment.

Vipers’ midfielder BobosI Byaruhanga came close to scoring in the 42nd minute but his overhead volley agonizingly went wide.

Two minutes later, defender Paul Willa had a free header out of play from an Abdul Karim Watambala dead-ball delivery but he failed to bury it home, too.

Tactical changes

With an urge for goals rising, Kajoba summoned forward Tito Okello to replace left back Aziz Kayondo in the 63rd minute.

The change meant that utility player and assistant captain Geoffrey Wasswa was drifted to left back. Wasswa had started alongside Byaruhanga in the middle of the park.

Young midfielder Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye was also replaced by debutant defender Ahmed Amayo to thwart any Mbarara City goal attempts in the 67th minute – a job that he did with distinction.

Kajoba made his final substitution when he brought off the club’s leading marksman Fahad Bayo for Dan ‘Mzee’ Sserunkuma in the 70th minute but the change bore no fruit.

Late pressure

The opposition – Mbarara City’s – only realistic chance was when Ivan Eyam tested Vipers’ Burundian international shot-stopper Fabien Mutombora with teasing hard shot out of the 18 but the latter coolly tamed it in expert fashion.

The final moments of the match, however, did not reap any dividends in terms of goals despite Vipers camping in the hosts’ half for the better part of the final 10 minutes.

Vipers XI: Fabien Mutombora (G.K), Paul Willa, Aziz Kayondo (63’ Tito Okello), Ahmed Amayo (68’ Frank Tumwesigye), Jacob Okao, Geoffrey Wasswa (captain), Bobos Byaruhanga, Ibrahim Tembo, Abdul Karim Watambala, Paul Mucureezi, Fahad Bayo (70’ Dan Sserunkuma).

Subs Not Used: Derrick Ochan (G.K), Rahmat Ssenfuka, Farouk Musisi, Brian Nkuubi.

Copyright 2020 Vipers Sports Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.viperssc.co.ug as the source.