Vipers crush Proline as leaders KCCA play stalemate

KCCA striker Sserunkuma (left) has been arguably the outstanding player of the 2016-17 Uganda Premier League. Photo by Ismail Kezaala

What you need to know:

  • Leaders KCCA suffered a set back with a draw at Soana

Kampala.

Champions KCCA missed the first of four opportunities to wrestle the Azam Uganda Premier League table leadership from SC Villa.

Now with three games in hand and three points adrift of leaders Villa, KCCA drew 1-all away at Kavumba with a resilient Soana side yesterday.

The visitors took the lead through Geoffrey Sserunkuma’s low finish, his 13th of the season, and looked on course to move level with Villa on 44 points.

Coach Mike Mutebi were left stranded on 42 points as their winning streak was ended at three when Farouk Osama headed in from a yard out at the stroke of halftime following a succession of corners.

Though KCCA could still go five points clear if they win their games in hand, that result might as well keep the pursuers interested in the league title.

It’s unlikely that Vipers will be among those suitors even as they swept aside Proline 3-0 as St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende made it’s league bow.

Despite a brace from the rejuvenated Brian Nkuubi and a Mike Sserumaga lob, Vipers are third on 35 points, nine adrift of the leaders.

Vipers have played 20 games, Villa 22 while KCCA are on 19. Also, Express moved into fifth on 33, after overcoming Bright Stars 2-0 at Champions Stadium, Matugga.

Joseph Ssemujju, on loan from Vipers, and skipper Saddam Juma, who scored from a sublime free kick, pinched the result for the visiting Red Eagles.

At Kitende, Vipers capitalized on a defensive error for Nkuubi to score on 14 minutes as the midfield trio of Deus Bukenya, Moses Waiswa and Keziron Kizito dominated proceedings.

Waiswa penetrated through the middle before Sserumaga lobbed the ball over a hapless Saidi Keni in Proline goal much to the delight of Jorge da Costa in the 22nd minute.

Nkuubi added a third, pouncing on a loose ball to ensure that Vipers have now won three games at their new home only opened last month.

“One of the problems of the team was scoring goals. On four games, we have scored 12 and conceded three,” da Costa observed in his post-match interview.

Proline’s Mujib Kasule bemoaned the poor start. “We lost the game in the first 20 minutes,” Kasule said.