Five-star Venoms crush UPDF in commanding Kitende display

THE MATCH RESULT

Vipers SC 5–1 UPDF FC

Vipers SC produced one of their most ruthless performances of the season, dismantling UPDF FC 5–1 in a re-arranged StarTimes Uganda Premier League tie at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Tuesday afternoon.

From the first whistle, the Venoms showed the urgency of a team eager to capitalise on their backlog of fixtures following continental duty — and UPDF felt the heat almost immediately.

Lightning Start in a One-Sided Contest

The tempo was electric from the outset. UPDF’s attempts to sit deep and absorb pressure crumbled in the 11th minute when Milton Karisa pounced on a poorly cleared ball, guiding home after Usama Arafat had delivered a teasing cross that caused chaos in the visitors’ defence. The opener opened the floodgates.

Just 12 minutes later, the crowd rose again as Gusto Mulongo, who tormented UPDF all evening, weaved into the box following a neat Allan Okello pass and finished with composure. His confidence, movement, and fearless dribbling became the defining theme of the day.

UPDF’s Brief Hope — and Its Brutal End

Against the run of play, UPDF halved the deficit in the 32nd minute through a beautifully curled free-kick from Samuel Ssekamatte, leaving goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza with no chance.

But if that goal sparked any flicker of belief, Vipers extinguished it almost instantly.

Moments before halftime, the irrepressible Mulongo rose highest to nod home Usama Arafat’s pin-perfect delivery, restoring the Venoms’ two-goal cushion and sending them into the dressing room fully in command.

Second-Half Authority and More Fireworks

The restart resembled an extended training drill for Vipers as UPDF retreated deeper, overwhelmed by wave after wave of red-and-white pressure.

The fourth goal arrived via a rocket — Robin Kane Hney unleashed a thunderous strike in the 57th minute, the ball screaming past goalkeeper Abdul Kimera and effectively ending the contest.

Still, Vipers weren’t done.

In the 78th minute, Moses Waiswa slipped through the defence and slid the ball calmly between Kimera’s legs after a clever setup by Ashraf Mandela, sealing a five-star performance that underlined the gulf in quality.

Table Implications & Momentum

The victory lifts Vipers to 16 points, just one behind joint-leaders KCCA and SC Villa, who have both played two more matches. Given their games in hand, the Venoms are well-positioned to tilt the early title-race narrative back in their favour.

For UPDF, the situation is grim. Six losses in eight games leave them third from bottom, dangerously flirting with the relegation zone and in urgent need of a turnaround.

What’s Next?

Vipers’ focus swiftly shifts to Friday’s high-stakes trip to Lugogo to face NEC FC, a clash that promises intensity and tactical intrigue.

UPDF, meanwhile, must regroup quickly — and rediscover resilience — if they are to pull themselves out of the early-season mire.

For Vipers, all seems good and the Venoms will feel that normalcy has been restored.