Rudderless Vipers stumble again as title rivals pull away
Vipers had an opportunity to salvage a point in the 84th minute, but substitute Farouk Miya failed to convert a penalty, with Hafizi making a crucial save to preserve URA’s lead.
Vipers have collected only 11 points from eight matches and occupy eighth place, 10 points behind leaders SC Villa, who have accumulated 21 points from nine games. (Photos by Yekoyada Saaka)
________________
Vipers SC’s Uganda Premier League (UPL) title defence is coming under increasing pressure after the champions suffered a second consecutive defeat, losing 1-0 to resurgent URA FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Saturday.
URA skipper Moses Aliro scored the decisive goal in the 43rd minute to hand the Tax Collectors their second victory since Sam Ssimbwa returned as head coach last week, while goalkeeper Khassim Hafizi produced an outstanding performance to frustrate the Venoms.
Vipers had an opportunity to salvage a point in the 84th minute, but substitute Farouk Miya failed to convert a penalty, with Hafizi making a crucial save to preserve URA’s lead.
The defeat extended Vipers’ winless run to three matches, having drawn 0-0 with Police before losing 1-0 to Mbarara City. The champions have also gone three consecutive games without scoring.
It was interim coach John Luyinda’s second successive defeat since taking charge following the departure of French tactician David Lavagne, who was sacked after the goalless draw against Police at Kitende.
NEC FC and BUL FC occupy second and third positions respectively, with 20 points each, separated by goal difference.
Although the season is still in its early stages, the growing gap between Vipers and the leading sides raises questions about their ability to defend the title.
The situation also increases pressure on Luyinda, with club proprietor Lawrence Mulindwa known for acting decisively when results fall short of expectations.
Meanwhile, Villa, NEC and KCCA have capitalised on Vipers’ struggles to strengthen their positions.
Villa defeated Lugazi 2-1 in Najjembe, NEC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Blacks Power in Bukedea, while KCCA beat Mbarara City 3-1 at Rwamwanja in Kamwenge to make it five victories in a row.
Vipers have won the last two league titles, including last season’s triumph, when they finished unbeaten on the pitch.
However, their current struggles have opened the door for rivals to challenge their dominance.
NEC and BUL, who are yet to win the league, will also view the champions’ slump as an opportunity to mount serious title challenges.
Uganda Premier League
URA 1 Vipers 0
Lugazi 1 SC Villa 2
Mbarara 1 KCCA 3
Blacks Power 0 NEC 1
BUL 1 UPPC 1
UPDF 0 Kitara 1
Kataka 1 Police 2