Vipers labour to stay top as Express see more blues
DREAM START. Mucureezi celebrate his goal for Vipers against Kyetume at St Mary’s stadium, Kitende on Friday. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE
Watching Uganda Premier League table toppers Vipers accrue the 1-0 triumph over beleaguered Mukono side Kyetune on Friday at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende was just like any ordinary outing.
When new signing Paul Mucureezi expertly controlled Tito Okello’s cross to register his first and Vipers’ opening goal on eight minutes, it was easy to predict a goalfest but sadly that was all the game could serve.
Vipers coach Edward Golola made random changes starting with a prospective attacking team of Frank Tumwesige, Karim Watambala, Mucureezi, Fahd Bayo and Tito Okello but the less output was registered going forward.
“The good thing we have got a win. We missed some key players but we are still working on our team to play well and win convincingly,” Golola, who inexplicably left goal machine Dan Sserunkuma on bench, revealed.
Saddled with license issues, Kyetune would count themselves lucky to lose honourably, and had a few moments to scare Vipers.
“We blame Fufa for the license mess that led us to use third choice goalkeeper and miss key starters like Vincent Kayizzi and Isaac Kirabira. We gave Vipers a worth challenge and am happy” Kyetume deputy coach David Mutono said. Vipers restored a four-point gap at the top between them and second placed KCCA ahead of their next game against Proline at StarTimes Stadium on Tuesday at Lugogo.
“Mucureezi and the youngsters like Umar Kyebalata did well but you will see a different Vipers against Proline,” Golola vowed.
In Jinja, Abbey Kikomeko’s Busoga United, missing striker Joel Madondo who joined Morrocan giants Wydad Casablanca, got a double over Express with a 2-0 triumph.Boban Ziruntusa killed off the contest at the Mighty Arena after Ivan Wani had given the home side the lead. In six attempts, the six time winners are yet to return from Jinja as victors which ultimately thrusts coach George Ssimwogerere into the oath if the fans’ ire.
At Luzira, a brace from veteran striker Hamis Kiiza set Proline on redemption path and was enough to render Steven Mukwala’s effort a consolation.
Bright Stars 1-0 triumph at Kavumba over zealous Bul raised their hopes of survival under new coach Paul Kiwanuka while curtailing the hopes ok of Peter One to lift the trophy for the first time.
FRIDAY RESULTS
Vipers 1-0 Kyetume
Busoga United 2-0 Express
Maroons 1-2 Proline
Bright Stars 1-0 Bul
