Vipers SC maintained their grip on the top of the Uganda Premier League table with a narrow 1-0 victory over UPDF FC.
The Venoms’ win was made all the more impressive by the fact that they finished the game with ten men after Derrick Ndahiro was shown a straight red card in the 77th minute.
Allan Okello scored the decisive goal in the 15th minute, his 11th of the campaign, to give the visitors the lead.
Milton Karisa came close to doubling Vipers’ advantage, but UPDF FC goalkeeper Richard Anyama denied him.
In the second half, Paul Kiwanuka’s UPDF FC side threatened to break down Vipers’ resilient defense, but ultimately, they were unable to find the equalizer.
The turning point came when Ndahiro was sent off for a high boot on UPDF’s Christopher Kawagu.
The win extends Vipers’ lead at the top of the table, with the team now on 31 points from 14 games.
They remain unbeaten since their matchday one defeat at NEC FC. Vipers’ next game is against Maroons FC at Kitende on Monday, January 6th.
For UPDF FC, the loss sees them drop to 11th place with 17 points from 14 games. They will host Express FC on Monday, January 6th, at Bombo Military Grounds.
Following the victory, the Venoms will return to action on Monday as they host Maroons FC, at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende floodlights.
