UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE
Wednesday’s Result
Vipers SC 6-0 Mbale Heroes FC
Vipers Sports Club took a giant stride towards sealing a seventh StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) title with a ruthless 6-0 thrashing of relegation-bound Mbale Heroes FC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende under the Wednesday night lights.
The emphatic victory moved the Venoms to 65 points from 27 matches, stretching their lead at the summit to seven points over second-placed NEC FC, who were held to a 1-1 draw by BUL FC at Lugogo.
With just three games remaining, Vipers could be crowned champions with a win away to BUL on Saturday, regardless of NEC’s result against Soltilo Bright Stars FC.
Captain’s charge
Skipper Milton Karisa led by example, scoring a brace and assisting another in a captain’s performance that inspired the hosts to their biggest win of the season. Karisa broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after capitalising on a defensive error, following a sustained spell of Vipers’ pressure.
Yunus Sentamu made it 2-0 ten minutes later, finishing clinically after a clever one-two with Allan Okello, who was a constant menace cutting in from the left.
Just before the break, Okello turned scorer, slotting home Vipers’ third from a Karisa assist as the Venoms cruised into halftime with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Second-half statement
Vipers showed no mercy after the restart. In the 71st minute, youngster Abubakali Walusimbi laid on a brilliant pass for Karisa to complete his brace.
A minute later, Walusimbi teed up Mohamed Salem Ekbad for the fifth goal before Kenneth Kimera capped off the rout with a smart finish from close range.
On the brink
Coach Fred Muhumuza’s men now turn their focus to Saturday’s trip to third-placed BUL FC at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, with destiny firmly in their hands. The dream of clinching the league before the final day is within touching distance.
VIPERS SC IN THE UPL
By the Numbers
Wins: 20
Draws: 5
Losses: 2
Points: 65
Clean Sheets: 15
Goals Scored: 46
Goals Conceded: 13