Report: Shaban scores on debut as Venoms are held

STARTIMES UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE

Saturday’s Result

Wakiso Giants FC 1-1 Vipers SC

Muhammad Shaban marked his Vipers Sports Club debut with a goal as we played out a 1-1 draw with Wakiso Giants FC at Wakissha stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Shaban gave the Venoms the perfect start when he jumped and nodded home beyond goalkeeper Derrick Emukule inside the opening 7 minutes from Disan Galiwango’s corner kick.

**Muhammad Shaban closes down Wakiso’ Geriga Atendele to vie** **for the ball.**

Paul Mucureezi nearly doubled our lead but his header off another Galiwango corner spun wide of the upright.

However, Wakiso Giants went agonizingly close to a leveler soon after, though Aziz Kayondo was on hand to hook Pius Kaggwa’s effort.

Vipers advantage remained at one goal at the interval.

**Youngster Joseph Dhata with his trademark curls in as Wakiso’ Hassan Ssenyonjo tries to block.**

In the 58th minute after the breather, Ibrahim Orit was introduced for his Vipers league debut, replacing Mucureezi upfront.

Then, in the 60th minute, only a fine reflex save prevented the visitors from going further a head when Emukule reacted smartly to thwart away Orit’s goal scoring effort.

As the contest entered its final quarter, Wakiso’ Viane Ssekajugo raced at goal after a good delivery from Lawrence Bukenya and prodded the ball past goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora for the Purple Sharks equaliser.

**Disan Galiwango peeling away from a purple shark.**

Team News…

Vipers made 4 changes from the team that lost to Sudanese side Al Hilal in the CAF Champions League last weekend as Paul Willa returned to partner Rashid Toha In central defence.

Shaban was handed his debut after 493 days on the sidelines nursing a knee injury.

There were also maiden League appearances for Joseph Dhata, Jamil Kalisa, Disan Galiwango, David Bagoole and Najib Yiga who were recruited at the start of the season, while Paul Mucureezi and Siraje Ssentamu were named in the Starting XI.

The long-waited return of fans to St Mary’s Stadium – albeit just 200 ticket card holders to start with – is set for this coming Wednesday (December 16) evening when we host newcomers Kitara FC.