Watambala brace fires Vipers top after emphatic win over URA
With much of the pre-match focus on how Vipers would cope without departed talisman Allan Okello, who recently completed a move to Tanzania’s Young Africans, the Venoms produced an emphatic response to underline their title credentials.
Abdulkarim Watambala celebrates on of his strikes against struggling URA to send Vipers to the top of the Uganda Premier League table. (Courtesy Photo)
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Uganda Premier League
URA 0 Vipers 3
Express 3 Buhimba 1
BUL 2 Villa 1
NEC 3 Kitara 3
Mbarara 0 Lugazi 0
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Abdulkarim Watambala’s brace inspired Vipers SC to the top of the Uganda Premier League table after the reigning champions delivered a commanding 3-0 away victory over URA FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Saturday night.
With much of the pre-match focus on how Vipers would cope without departed talisman Allan Okello, who recently completed a move to Tanzania’s Young Africans, the Venoms produced an emphatic response to underline their title credentials.
The victory lifted Ivan Minnaert’s side to the summit of the standings with 30 points from 12 matches, opening a three-point cushion over Police and KCCA, both on 27 points, as well as SC Villa and UPPC Entebbe on 26. All four rivals have played a game more.
Vipers struck almost immediately, taking the lead inside two minutes. Watambala reacted quickest to tap home after URA goalkeeper Derrick Ochan could only parry Odili Chukwuma’s corner into his path.
The early goal settled the visitors and set the tone for a dominant display. Watambala and Enock Ssebaggala controlled proceedings in midfield, while Arafat Usama and Chukwuma stretched URA with pace and direct running down the flanks.
Hussein Mbalangu’s side struggled to cope and increasingly resorted to fouls as Vipers dictated the tempo with confidence and composure.
Substitute Gusto Mulongo doubled the lead in the 80th minute, finishing off a flowing move initiated by Usama.
Watambala then completed his brace in stoppage time, turning provider Mulongo’s pass into the net to cap a man-of-the-match performance.
Minnaert praised his players but urged restraint. “It was a fantastic display in a difficult game,” said the Belgian. “We controlled it well after scoring early, but we must take it game by game.”
Vipers now turn their attention to a top-of-the-table clash against Police at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
For URA, the pressure continues to mount. Mbalangu has now suffered consecutive league defeats since replacing Alex Isabirye, leaving the Tax Collectors 12th on 11 points, level with Mbarara City.
Elsewhere, SC Villa’s title push faltered with a 2-1 defeat away to BUL in Njeru. NEC and Kitara shared a thrilling 3-3 draw at Philip Omondi Stadium, while Express eased past Buhimba United Saints 3-1 at Nakivubo.
In Kamwenge, Mbarara city and Lugazi played out a goalless draw at Rwamwanja Stadium in extraordinary circumstances, with Mbarara naming only 11 players and deploying forward Clinton Kamugisha in goal amid reports of a player strike over unpaid wages.