Vipers SC neared their ruthless best as they drubbed Express FC 5-2 in the Uganda Premier League at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Tuesday.
A brace from Cromwel Rwothomio and one goal each from Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa, and Bright Anukani ensured the Venoms stayed on top with 49 points.
Their title rivals KCCA FC and SC Villa, who occupy second and third respectively, have the same tally and are separated only by goal difference.
The Red Eagles, meanwhile, had Joseph Akandanwaho and Marvin Oshaba net their only goals on an evening to forget for coach James Odoch’s side.
The hosts got their early pressure rewarded as Anukani netted from the spot after Abdu Lumala had been felled in the box in the 15th minute.
Two minutes later, Sentamu got the day’s second as he calmly slotted past goalkeeper Abdu Kimera, following a superb pass from Karisa.
Five minutes to halftime, the guests pulled one back through Akandanwaho after a defensive mishap.
Vipers grabbed a third in the added minutes of the opening 45 minutes with Karisa netting superbly having received a through pass from Sentamu.
Express returned energized and grabbed their second of the evening, with Oshaba scoring in an empty net as the Venoms failed to clear a corner.
The hosts then added to their tally, with substitute Rwothomio beating bodies after a Karisa ball, to net past Kimera in the 81st minute.
Five minutes to full-time, Rwothomio added another after brilliant work from midfielder Karim Watambala.
Vipers will return with a trip to BUL FC next Tuesday at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru, to keep chasing their sixth league glory.
On the other hand, Express will on Saturday host Maroons FC at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, hoping to quickly make amends.
How both teams lined up
Vipers: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Isa Mubiru, Hillary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Ashraf Mandela, Siraje Ssentamu, Karim Watambala, Bright Anukani, Milton Karisa (c), Abdu Lumala, Yunus Sentamu.
Subs: Denis Kiggundu, Nzau Miguel Lutumba, Najib Yiga, Cromwel Rwothomio, Disan Ggaliwango, Abubakar Lawal, Martin Kizza.
Express: Abdu Kimera (GK), Derrick Ngoobi, Isa Lumu, Joseph Akandanwaho, Allan Kayiwa (c), Marvin Oshaba, Isma Kiwawulo, Daniel Shabene, Boban Zilintusa, Andrew Kaggwa, Arthur Kiggundu.
Subs: Joseph Dhata, Joseph Alimansi, Joshua Musoke, Enock Ssebaggala, Shafik Ssebyaala.
By: Ivan Kaye
