Vipers SC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lugazi FC in the Uganda Premier League encounter at Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe on Wednesday.
The champions, who were looking to bounce back from a tough run, got goals from Usama Arafat and Yunus Sentamu to seal the win, while Ashraf Mulindi’s late strike was mere consolation for the hosts.
Arafat broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, tapping in a rebound after Juma Mutembi parried Milton Karisa’s effort.
Vipers continued to press, and Odili Chukwuma came close to doubling their lead in the 20th minute, but his shot hit the post.
Lugazi pushed for an equalizer, however, Karim Watambala later tested Lugazi’s defense with a powerful shot in the 35th minute, but the goalkeeper stood firm.
The breakthrough finally came for Lugazi’s opponents in the 74th minute, as Sentamu looped the ball past Mutebi to make it 2-0.
Mulindi pulled one back for Lugazi in the 89th minute, but it was too little, too late, as Vipers held on to secure the win.
The 2-1 victory takes Vipers to second position with 24 points in 10 games, while Lugazi lies 14th with 10 points in 11 games.
Vipers’ win is a welcome boost for the champions, who had been struggling with inconsistent performances.
Lugazi, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their latest defeat, having gone winless in their last few matches.
