Vipers SC suffered another setback in their title defence on Saturday, losing 1-0 to URA FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, for their second straight league defeat.
Moses Aliro scored the only goal of the game in the 43rd minute, while URA goalkeeper Hafizi denied Farouk Miya from the penalty spot late in the match to ensure the hosts took all three points.
The defeat came just three days after Vipers lost by the same margin to Mbarara City at Rwamwanja Stadium. It also extended their winless run in the league to four matches, following earlier draws against Maroons FC and Police FC.
Vipers started the game brightly and looked eager to put their midweek disappointment behind them. Ashraf Mandela and Usama Arafat both had early opportunities, but Hafizi was alert to keep the visitors at bay.
The Venoms continued to push forward, with Arafat, Milton Karisa and Gusto Mulongo trying to create openings. However, they struggled to make their attacking pressure count.
URA gradually grew into the game and found the breakthrough just before half-time. In the 43rd minute, Moses Aliro sent a ball into the Vipers penalty area. What appeared to be an intended cross caused confusion and ended up in the net, with goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba unable to keep it out despite his attempt to make the save.
Vipers went into the break trailing and returned for the second half looking for a way back into the contest. They pushed forward but found URA difficult to break down, with the hosts defending their lead well.
Their best chance to rescue a point came in the 87th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Farouk Miya stepped up, but Hafizi guessed correctly and saved his effort to keep URA in front.
That proved to be a crucial moment as URA held on to secure their second consecutive victory under returning head coach Sam Ssimbwa, having beaten UPDF FC 1-0 in their previous outing.
For Vipers, the defeat leaves them eighth on the table with 11 points from eight matches. They have now gone two games without scoring, a concern for head coach John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda as he looks to get his side back to winning ways.
The Venoms will have a chance to respond on Thursday when they host Lugazi FC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.