THE MATCH RESULT
Calvary FC 0–0 Vipers SC
Bottom-placed Calvary FC dug in for their toughest defensive shift of the season, and Vipers SC — bruised, short-handed, and increasingly desperate — left West Nile with only a point after a tense 0–0 draw in scorching Yumbe on Tuesday afternoon.
The champions dominated territory and possession but lacked the precision and composure needed to break down a spirited Calvary side whose discipline turned the contest into a frustrating stalemate.
Fast Start, Missed Moments
Vipers carved out the game’s first big opening, and it should have sparked a breakthrough.
Isaac Ogwang burst into space early on, carrying the away fans’ hopes with him, but instead of going for goal, he attempted to square the ball to Milton Karisa. The hesitation proved costly — the opportunity vanished, and the Venoms never found a clearer chance.
That passage set the tone: neat approach play, promising build-up, but indecision at the decisive moment.
Injury Setback & Makeshift Adjustments
Already stretched by the absence of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)-bound trio Allan Okello, Rogers Torach, and Hillary Mukundane, Vipers’ afternoon worsened just 17 minutes in when defender Abubakali Walusimbi was forced off injured.
Patrick Mbowa stepped in earlier than expected, adding further strain to a squad already managing gaps and improvisations.
The patchwork team did well to maintain rhythm, but the lack of fluidity in the final third grew more evident as the half progressed.
Second-Half Spark, But No Breakthrough
After the restart, Vipers finally found a moment of inspiration.
Yunus Sentamu’s beautifully struck free-kick curled beyond the wall and beat the keeper — only to crash off the upright, bouncing out to the despair of the travelling supporters who momentarily thought the deadlock had been shattered.
Calvary almost authored the ultimate twist.
Forward Steven Nyalimo curled in a left-footed effort from range that drifted inches wide, freezing the Vipers bench and igniting belief among the home fans.
Resolute Calvary, Wasteful Vipers
As the heat intensified, Calvary dug deeper, defending with heart and numbers. Vipers pushed bodies forward, but the champions never generated the cutting edge that has defined their better performances this season.
Karisa, Sentamu, and Ogwang all probed for an opening, yet Calvary held their structure brilliantly, earning their clean sheet with pure commitment.
Consequences & The Table Picture
The draw compounds Vipers’ recent struggles.
After starting the season with four straight wins, they now find themselves with three draws in their last four, slipping to second place with 18 points — two behind KCCA FC, who still have a game in hand.
Calvary, meanwhile, will cherish the result.
The point is only their second of the season, adding to the one collected against Maroons, and while they remain bottom, the performance offers a glimmer of hope for the challenges ahead.
What’s Next
Vipers return to Kitende seeking a reaction when they host BUL FC on Saturday, a crucial fixture in a tightening title race.
Calvary stay in Yumbe, where they will welcome Mbarara City in another test of their resilience and growing confidence.