Tuesday, May 16
•Arua Hill 1-4 Busoga United
•Blacks Power 3-2 Gaddafi
•KCCA 1-0 BUL
•Maroons 1-0 Onduparaka
•UPDF 0-2 SC Villa
•Vipers 5-2 Express
•Wakiso Giants 2-0 Bright Stars
Vipers returned to winning ways in commanding fashion with a deserved 5-1 win over Express in a league game at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
With the Venoms holding a slender 3-2 lead, Cromwell Rwothomio scored a brace late in the second half to settle the nerves.
Two quick goals from Bright Anukani and Yunus Sentamu had put the Venoms in control just after 17 minutes.
And even when Joseph Akandwanaho brought one back for Express, Milton Karisa ensured that Vipers take a 3-1 advantage at halftime.
But the Red Eagles gave themselves a good fighting stance when Marvin Oshaba scored few minutes into the second quarter, 3-2.
But the Visitors failed to ask more questions from there after until substitute Rwothomio happened.
The win sees Vipers remain on top with 49 points, level with KCCA and SC Villa who beat BUL and UPDF respectively.
And it promises to be a tight title race with two games to spare.
Vipers back to winning ways
Vipers looked to have lost track on the title race after fluffing their two games in hand last week.
They were beaten by Bright Stars at Kavumba on Tuesday before drawing away to Onduparaka on Friday.
But after KCCA failed to beat Express in a game that ended 0-0 at Luzira on Saturday, Vipers remained top just on goal difference.
All three teams, including SC Villa, are level on 49 points, and the winner might be decided on goal difference.
And with that in mind, Vipers looked to have understood the assignment after a 5-2 win over Express.
The Red Eagles made it easy for Vipers on the flip side of the coin, given a mediocre show in contrast to the way they kept KCCA at bay.
And just inside 17 minutes, the tie looked like all but done.
Isa Lumu was reckless when he brought down Lumala Abdu for a penalty which Bright Anukani converted in the 15th minute.
Two minutes later, Yunus doubled the lead after he was put through by Milton Karisa, rounded off the goalkeeper before squeezing it across the line.
Express could have been awarded a penalty when Marvin Oshaba was swept inside the area by Hilary Mukundane, but referee Ali Sabila deemed it unnecessary.
Joseph Akandwanaho got a consolation for the Visitors when he converted a rebound after goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora parried away an initial shot.
But Karisa scored a beauty to see Vipers lead 3-1 heading into the break.
Express got another goal through Oshaba who slotted in from a low corner after Vipers defence was caught napping.
But the Red Eagles didn’t threaten from thereon.
Rwothomio made it 4-2 when he was picked by Karisa, rounded off Arthur Kiggundu before firing into the net.
He got his brace few minutes later when he beat the defence by pace, to spur wild celebrations from the home fans.
Players Used
Vipers – Fabien Mutombora, Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane, Siraje Sentamu, Bright Anukani, Yunus Sentamu, Karim Watambala, Milton Karisa, Lumala Abdu
Express – Abdul Kimera, Derrick Ngoobi, Arthur Kiggundu, Isa Lumu, Isma Kawawulo, Andrew Kaggwa, Boban Zirintusa, Daniel Shabene, Allan Kayiwa, Marvin Oshaba, Joseph Akandwanaho
