David GOMBE
Vipers SC slumped to a 2-1 defeat to URA FC in the Uganda Premier league contest at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The defeat leaves them six points behind leaders KCCA who will all but seal the championship if they beat Express FC tomorrow at Lugogo.
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Skipper Shafik Kagimu and Victory Kilama were on target for the tax collectors as URA dented Vipers title defence. Diego Hamis Kizza who came on as a substitute found a consolation for the Kitende outfit.
Kagimu gave Sam Simbwa’s charges the lead in the 25th minute with a powerful left foot shot to beat Vipers’ custodian Derrick Ochan.
Vipers was forced into a change in the 35th minute with Kizza replacing injured Bobosi Byaruhanga and four minutes later defender Ibrahim Tembo replaced Tom Masiko.
Kagimu had another golden opportunity to extend the visitors advantage from 25 yards but his effort was perfectly saved by Ochan.
After the recess, URA coach Simbwa introduced on Cromwell Rwothomio for Moses Sseruyidde who had minimal impact on day.
At an hour mark, forward Kilama tap in Joachim Ojera quality cross to double the tax collectors lead.
Michael Nam Ouma made the final change for the home side with Duncan Seninde coming on for Steven Mukwala.
URA also brought on Vitalis Tabu for Kilama in the 65th minute.
Three minutes later, Vipers were awarded a penalty by referee Nasser Muhammad Kirya following a Yeseri Waibi foul on Innocent Wafula. URA players protested against the decision.
Kizza a former URA forward pulled one back off a rebound after his poorly taken penalty had been saved by James Alitho who was making a return to his former side.
Man of the match Ojera was withdrawn for Julius Mutyaba in the closing stages of the game.
Vipers captain Taddeo Lwanga and Aziz Kayondo were both booked for reckless play on Kagimu and Ojera respectively.
This was the tax collectors successive win at St. Mary’s Stadium, they are now third placed on the log with 46 points.
Defeat surely puts Vipers’ title chase in danger, they stay second placed with 50 points and six adrift of leaders KCCA FC who entertain Express FC tomorrow.
Vipers next travel to Police FC on Tuesday April 23rd while URA FC host Mbarara City a day later.
