Soana hold vipers to a 1-1 draw

Soana overcame the resignation of coach Shafik Bisaso to hold Vipers to a 1-1 draw in a spirited game played at St. Mary's Stadium on Wednesday.

In doing so, they put further scrutiny on their opponents and coach Miguel Da Costa following massive recruitment in the off-season.

The hosts though took the lead albeit in controversial circumstances.

There were no doubts that Vipers striker Moussa Mbayi was fouled, with referee Mashood Ssali awarding a penalty. Soana however had issues with what happened thereafter.

Goalkeeper Joel Mutagobwa saved Milton Karisa's kick only for assistant referee Dickson Okello to signal for an infringement.

Erisa Ssekisambu took over the duties scoring his first goal of the season.

Soana who were poor in a 2-0 loss to Onduparaka on Saturday were however not cowed and created the better chances in the first half.

Emma Kalyowa, a tad selfish opted for a shot when a pass appeared the easier option with goalkeeper Ismail Watenga saving it. The forward then combined again with the lively Baker Lukooya to set up Paddy Muhumuza who headed over.

Three minutes after restart they drew level capitalising on some sloppy defending for Baker Buyala to tap in.

Vipers resorted to long range efforts with Tom Masiko and Nucholas Wadada having their shots saved by Mutagobwa while Karisa headed wide.

They were ultimately unable to make that second half pressure count as they gained only the one point to move them level on 11 points with leaders Kirinya-Jinja after six games.

Soana meanwhile picked their second draw of the campaign to move to five points.