UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE
Thursday’s Result
VIPERS SC 3-1 NEC FC
Vipers Sports Club delivered a spirited and commanding performance under the St. Mary’s Stadium floodlights, overpowering NEC FC 3-1 in a high-stakes StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) fixture on Thursday night.
The win, dripping with character and tactical precision, saw the Venoms stretch their lead at the top of the table to 56 points, five clear of NEC FC who remain second after 24 matches played.
Fast, Focused, Fearless
Coach Fred Muhumuza’s charges started the game with purpose and energy, and it wasn’t long before the breakthrough arrived.
In the 22nd minute, centre-back Hillary Panuel Mukundane rose highest at the near post to nod home a pinpoint delivery from Allan Okello’s expertly floated free-kick.
The goal lit up the stadium and set the tone for what would be a dominant display.
Just before the break in the 42nd minute, it was Okello again in the thick of things—this time turning scorer.
After a mazy run from Yunus Sentamu down the left, Okello was teed up at the top of the box.
His strike took a telling deflection off defender Jacob Okao and wrong-footed NEC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, doubling the Venoms’ advantage.
Barely a minute later, Kitende was sent into raptures again as Isaac Ogwang opened his account in Vipers colours.
A neat combination between Okello and Karim Watambala freed Ogwang, who made no mistake with a composed finish to make it 3-0 – a killer blow before the half-time whistle.
Resilient to the End
The visitors would find a consolation late on. With seven minutes to play, Paul Mucureezi, a former Venom, converted from the penalty spot after Rogers Torach was adjudged to have fouled James Jarieko in the area. But it was too little, too late.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Vipers SC remain unbeaten at home in the league this season, with 9 wins and 3 draws, having now scored 18 goals and conceded only 5 at Kitende.
The head-to-head record between the two sides also swings in favour of the Venoms now:
- Games Played: 04
- Vipers Wins: 02
- Draws: 01
- NEC Wins: 01
- Goals Scored: 08
- Goals Conceded: 05
Focus Shifts to Villa
With momentum firmly on their side, the Venoms will now turn their attention to the Stanbic Uganda Cup quarterfinal showdown against SC Villa, set for Easter
Coach Muhumuza’s message was clear in the buildup: “It’s about mentality and character.” On this evidence, the boys understood the assignment.