THE MATCH RESULT
Vipers SC 1–1 SC Villa
67’ Frank Ssebuufu (Villa)
72’ Usama Arafat (Vipers)
Vipers SC and SC Villa delivered yet another fiery chapter of their long-standing rivalry on Saturday afternoon, battling to a 1–1 draw in a rescheduled StarTimes Uganda Premier League clash at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
From the opening whistle to the final blast, the match carried every ingredient of a high-stakes duel — tempo, tension, missed chances, and moments of brilliance.
Fast Start in an Electric Arena
The atmosphere inside Kitende was already crackling by kickoff, and both sides fed off it instantly. Vipers nearly struck within four minutes when Hassan Mubiru found himself in space inside the area, but instead of shooting, he opted to square the ball — a hesitation that allowed Villa’s backline to recover.
Villa replied sharply. In the seventh minute, goalkeeper David Lukwago produced a top-class reflex save to block Karim Watambala’s close-range effort, keeping the Jogoos firmly in the contest.
As the first half wore on, the game grew increasingly physical and tactical, with both sides trading promising moves but lacking the decisive cutting edge.
Second-Half Shift and Two Quick Blows
The Venoms returned from the break with renewed purpose. In the 52nd minute, Yunus Sentamu rose high to meet a teasing aerial delivery but headed over with Lukwago beaten — a chance that left the home fans groaning.
Villa turned the tides in the 67th minute.
A sweeping move down the right saw Kato Ssemayange stand up a perfect cross, which Frank Ssebuufu guided expertly into the far corner with a composed, angled header. The pocket of travelling Villa fans erupted.
But Vipers’ response was instant and emphatic.
In the 72nd minute, Allan Okello, calm amid pressure, sliced Villa open with a precise, defence-splitting pass.
Usama Arafat ghosted into the box and coolly tapped home to level matters, continuing his growing reputation as a big-moment performer.
Implications & Standings
The result nudges SC Villa up to second place with 17 points, maintaining their early title-charge rhythm.
Vipers remain fourth on 13 points, but crucially, they still hold three games in hand — a potential swing that keeps coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert’s men firmly within striking distance of the summit.
What’s Next
Vipers must now regroup and sharpen their finishing as the fixtures begin to thicken, while SC Villa turn their focus to sustaining momentum in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested season.
The rivalry delivered again — intensity, frustration, and moments of brilliance — leaving the title race wide open and the return fixture already circled on the calendar.