Despite not being at their absolute best, Vipers SC did just enough to narrowly beat Police FC 1-0 at the Akii-Bua Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
Skipper Milton Karisa scored the afternoon’s only goal to help the Venoms to a first-ever double, as they had earlier last week won the Uganda Premier League title.
On a hot evening in Lira, it was a relatively slow start from either team, with no urgent probing in the final halves, with both choosing caution.
In the 13th minute, Police were presented with the first big chance, but Emmanuel Mugume failed to tap in a brilliant pass from Herman Wasswa.
Three minutes later, Vipers punished them as Karisa headed in a superb corner from Bright Anukani.
At the 40th-minute mark, Vipers goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora and youngster Rogers Torach failed to communicate after a cross but were lucky as the ball fumbled to head out.
The start of the second stanza reflected the first half, as both sides continued to struggle to retain possession, especially in attack.
In the 78th minute, Vipers nearly added a second but Yunus Sentamu failed to stretch enough to tuck in a deflected strike from Karisa.
The Cops also had a chance of their own but Tonny Kiwalazi’s grass-cutter was saved well by Mutombora.
The Venoms held on tight with some sound defensive display to edge the tie in difficult weather conditions.
How both teams lined up
Police: Davis Mutebi (GK), Joseph Ssentume (c), Tonny Kiwalazi, Timothy Muwanguzi, Herman Wasswa, Samuel Kayongo, Emmanuel Mugume, Martin Owalamu, Dennis Kalanzi, Reagan S. Male, George Kiryowa.
Substitutions: Jackson Ssemugabi, Abdul Nsereko, Daniel Jakony, Alitu Danjuma, Missi Ssemugera, Hassan Kikoyo, Sammon Oloka.
Vipers: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane, Isa Mubiru, Ashraf Mandela, Siraje Ssentamu, Karim Watambala, Bright Anukani, Milton Karisa (C), Yunus Sentamu, Abubakar Lawal.
Substitutions: Denis Kiggundu, Nzau Lutumba, Karim Ndugwa, Martin Kizza, Disan Ggaliwango, Ibrahim Orit, Cromwell Rwothomio.
