Vipers SC left it late to break down a stubborn Lugazi FC, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to secure a 2-0 victory at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Thursday night and return to winning ways in the Uganda Premier League.
Defender Princewill Birewibo Tarabina and teenager Abubakali Walusimbi were the difference-makers, finding the net late in the second half to hand the Venoms a much-needed victory after a difficult spell of unconvincing performances.
Vipers dominated possession for much of the opening half but found Lugazi goalkeeper Tonny Kyamera in inspired form. The visitors defended in numbers and frustrated the hosts, who struggled to turn their early pressure into clear-cut chances.
Abdul-Karim Watambala was among the first to threaten, firing wide from inside the penalty area in the 16th minute, before Walusimbi tested Kyamera with a weak effort nine minutes later.
The goalkeeper continued to stand between Vipers and the opener, reacting quickly to deny Congolese forward Gusto Mulongo in a one-on-one situation around the half-hour mark.
Kyamera was again called into action late in the half, keeping out Watambala’s attempts from distance before collecting Walusimbi’s curling free-kick to ensure the sides went into the break goalless.
Vipers introduced Kenneth Kimera for captain Milton Karisa at the start of the second half as head coach John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda sought to add more attacking threat.
The hosts continued to push forward, with Watambala sending a free-kick narrowly wide while Arafat Usama failed to find the target with another effort.
Lugazi, however, showed signs of danger on the counterattack. Cromwell Rwothomio came close to connecting with Frank Mulimi’s delivery in the 60th minute, but his effort missed the target.
As the game entered its final stages, Vipers increased the pressure. Farouk Miya and Yunus Sentamu were introduced for Mulongo and Watambala in the 70th minute as the hosts searched for a breakthrough.
Kenneth Kimera came closest in the 77th minute, rising to meet Usama’s inviting cross from the right, only to see his header crash against the upright.
The breakthrough finally arrived with 10 minutes remaining. Following a goalmouth scramble, Tarabina reacted quickest to volley home from close range and send the home supporters into celebration.
With Lugazi forced to push forward in search of an equaliser, Vipers found more space and made the result safe in the closing minutes.
Walusimbi capped an impressive evening with a low drive from distance that beat Kyamera, doubling the advantage and sealing all three points for the hosts.
The result gives Vipers their fourth league victory of the campaign and takes them to 14 points from nine matches, moving them into seventh position as they seek to close the gap on the leading sides.