Vipers SC underlined their title credentials with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Blacks Power at Hoima City Stadium on Thursday, ending the hosts’ impressive winning momentum in emphatic fashion.
The Venoms were in complete control for much of the contest, with Gusto Mulongo striking twice while Arafat Usama and Milton Karisa added a goal apiece to secure Vipers’ second successive Uganda Premier League victory.
The result sees Vipers climb to seventh place on six points from three matches, while Blacks Power remain fourth with nine points from five games.
Vipers wasted little time asserting their authority. Mulongo opened the scoring in the 12th minute, rising superbly to meet Ashraf Mandela’s inviting cross from the right with a powerful flying header.
The visitors doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark when Usama produced a crisp snapshot that beat the Blacks Power defence and left the hosts facing an uphill battle.
Vipers showed no signs of easing off before the break and effectively settled the contest three minutes before half-time. Mulongo completed his brace with a composed curling finish into the top corner after being released by Usama.
Blacks Power emerged from the interval needing a dramatic response, but Vipers’ organisation and attacking efficiency denied them any meaningful route back into the game.
The champions then put the result beyond doubt nine minutes from time when Karisa rose above the defence to head another precise Mandela delivery into the bottom corner.
For Vipers, the commanding display represents a significant response after their campaign began with a 1-0 defeat to Entebbe UPPC, a setback compounded by their CAF Champions League elimination.
They have since responded with consecutive league wins over Ntugasaze and Blacks Power.
Blacks Power, meanwhile, will be disappointed by the sharp reversal in fortunes. After opening the campaign with three straight victories, the newly promoted side have now lost their last two league matches, leaving head coach Simon Peter Mugerwa with the task of restoring the momentum that initially made them one of the competition’s early surprises.
