Vipers' 19-match unbeaten streak snapped by SC Villa

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Uganda Premier League
Saturday Results

SC Villa 1-0 Vipers
URA 3-2 Mbale Heroes
Mbarara 0-0 BUL

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Attacking midfielder Patrick Jonah Kakande delivered a man-of-the-match performance as SC Villa ended Vipers' 19-match unbeaten streak in the Uganda Premier League with a 1-0 victory on Saturday at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

From the opening whistle, Kakande tormented the Vipers' defence with his incisive runs and quick passing. The decisive moment came in the 40th minute when he set up Charles Lwanga, who expertly fired into the top right corner, beating goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza.

Villa’s performance stunned their fans and neutrals alike, while Vipers’ supporters watched in disbelief. Given Villa’s inconsistent form, few had expected them to halt Vipers’ dominant run. However, the home side executed a disciplined defensive strategy, limiting Vipers' attacking threats—including league top scorer Allan Okello (14 goals) and forward Yunus Sentamu.

Assistant captain David Owori, alongside Arnold Odong and Geoffrey Lubangakene, led Villa’s defensive resilience, keeping Okello quiet throughout the match. After the final whistle, Villa’s supporters—who had recently criticised head coach Morley Byekwaso—were heard chanting praises for the team.

For Vipers, the defeat was a bitter setback. They had come into the game as favourites, boasting an eight-match clean-sheet streak and an unbeaten run under coach John Luyinda, who had guided them through 20 games across all competitions since taking charge last October.

The loss proved costly, cutting Vipers’ lead at the top of the table to just two points. They remain in first place with 49 points, while second-placed NEC has 47 points, both teams having played 21 matches.

Elsewhere in the UPL

NEC secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Express FC, handing them a third consecutive defeat. Paul Mucureezi, Allan Mugalu, and Muzamir Mutyaba were on target.

KCCA continued their impressive second-round form with a dominant 5-0 win over relegation-threatened Soltilo Bright Stars. Bright Anukani netted a brace, while Saidi Mayanja, Arafat Usama, and Joao Gabriel also got on the scoresheet.

At Hamz Stadium, bottom-placed Mbale Heroes put up a spirited fight against URA but fell 3-2. Ivan Ahimbisibwe's brace and Norman Namanya's strike sealed the win for URA, while Robert Eseru and Jesse Kajuba scored for Mbale.

Wakiso Giants’ relegation survival hopes took a hit with a 1-0 loss to UPDF, courtesy of a goal from veteran forward Samuel Ssekamatte.

Maroons edged Lugazi FC 1-0 at Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe, thanks to a goal from Abel Eturude.

Kitara also defeated Police FC 1-0 at Kavumba Recreation Grounds, with Jude Ssemugabi scoring the decisive goal.

With all 16 teams having played 21 matches, the title race remains tight, with Vipers and NEC separated by just two points.

At the bottom of the table, Mbale Heroes (10 points), Bright Stars (12 points), and Wakiso Giants (14 points) remain in serious danger of relegation.

olice FC, in 13th place, sits nine points above Wakiso, making survival a daunting challenge for the bottom three with only eight matches left.