Vipers’ Espinoza takes pride in positive result ahead of Caf tie

Roaring. Martinez Espinoza leads his players to applaud the fans after overcoming El Merrikh last week. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA

What you need to know:

  • Sserunkuma’s goal was greeted with fans throwing plastic bottles in the Mexican’s direction, a reaction for making a number of changes to his starting side.

Kampala. Vipers will go into Friday’s Caf Champions League clash against CS Constantine in positive mood after recording a 1-0 win over Police in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League on Sunday.
The win, Vipers sixth in nine games lifted them to second position, three points behind leaders KCCA who have 24 points and have played a game more.

Striker Dan Sserunkuma snubbed for the annual football awards last Friday came off the bench to score the only goal 13 minutes from time.
The diminutive forward latched onto Geoffrey Wasswa’s lofted pass and held off Joseph Sentume before slotting the ball under Davis Mutebi’s dive for his fifth goal of the season.
“Every time you get three points you are satisfied. That’s what the fans and players want. The performance is for the coach (to analyze). We shall see during the week how to rectify,” Vipers coach Javier Martinez Espinoza responded when queried about another lethargic display from his team.

Sserunkuma’s goal was greeted with fans throwing plastic bottles in the Mexican’s direction, a reaction for making a number of changes to his starting side.
They had earlier booed his decision to substitute the lively Duncan Sseninde for Sserunkuma.

“I’m so happy that the people are passionate. We have to make rotations. We have to have the whole team ready when you need them,” he responded.
His side’s goal came against the run of play and immediately after Juma Balinya and Ruben Kimera failed to turn in Norman Ogik’s low centre from the right.
“One team utilized their chance and we did not. Other than that there wasn’t any difference between the two sides,” Police coach Abdallah Mubiru said of the result that left them eighth with 14 points.