Arafat hat-trick inspires Vipers to 5-0 win over Kataka
Usama Arafat scored a hat-trick as the reigning champions delivered a dominant performance to move to 10 points from five matches, four behind joint leaders SC Villa and NEC FC, who have played a game more.
Vipers' players celebrating. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga
Uganda Premier League
Results
Kataka 0 Vipers 5
Express 1 UPDF 2
Sunday, 4pm
UPDF v BUL
Vipers SC returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion by thrashing newcomers Kataka FC 5-0 at BCS Sports Complex in Bukedea on Thursday to climb to fourth place in the Uganda Premier League (UPL) table standings.
Usama Arafat scored a hat-trick as the reigning champions delivered a dominant performance to move to 10 points from five matches, four behind joint leaders SC Villa and NEC FC, who have played a game more.
The victory was a timely response from the Venoms following their disappointing 1-1 home draw against Maroons, which attracted criticism from their supporters over the team’s performances and French coach Denis Lavagne’s tactics.
Arafat opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing off an assist from Abdulkarim Watambala before doubling Vipers’ advantage in the 50th minute after being set up by Gusto Mulongo.
The winger completed his hat-trick four minutes later, converting a penalty in the 55th minute to put the visitors firmly in control.
Farouk Miya then registered his first league goal of the season in the 76th minute, connecting with a pass from Congolese defender Kevin Dyslyva to make it 4-0.
Captain Milton Karisa completed the rout in the second minute of added time, capping an impressive afternoon for the champions.
Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba also played his part by preserving his clean sheet, saving Ali Ssentamu’s penalty in the 94th minute to deny the hosts a consolation goal.
The result will offer Lavagne and his players some relief after a difficult start to the campaign, particularly at home, where Vipers have struggled to turn their performances into consistent victories across competitions.
Meanwhile, Express FC’s disappointing start to the season continued with a 2-1 home defeat to UPDF FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Derick Taremwa scored both goals for the Army side while Henry Wamala pulled one back for Express early in the second half.
However, the hosts failed to find an equaliser, suffering their third defeat in six league matches.
Express have collected five points from one victory, two draws and three defeats, leaving them 14th in the standings and piling pressure on head coach Morley Byekwaso.