Following a slow start to the campaign that had them lag in 14th after two matches, champions Vipers SC have now made a significant leap to third on the Uganda Premier League table.
The ascendency followed an emphatic 4-0 victory over UPDF FC at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Friday.
Yunus Sentamu‘s hat-trick and a Rogers Adriko own goal pushed the Venoms to 14 points, three adrift if league leaders Wakiso Giants FC.
On Friday, UPDF got the earlier chance to net the opener, but Ivan Ahimbisibwe failed to beat Vipers custodian Alfred Mudekereza from close range.
The Venoms then threatened in the 23rd minute but Abubakar Lawal headed wide a brilliant Sentamu cross.
Two minutes later, the home side opened their account as Adriko agonizingly netted in his own net off Sentamu’s cross.
Karisa then blazed over Sentamu’s delivery in the 36th minute as Vipers missed a second.
Two minutes later, Karisa then turned provider to Sentamu whose goal-bound effort was superbly saved by goalkeeper Simon Mabuya.
Lawal was at the wrong side of luck in the 44th minute as he blasted onto the post after superb individual work in the box.
The Nigerian was yet again denied by the frame at the hour-mark after being set by Karisa’s cross for a header.
Vipers then doubled their lead, with Sentamu capitalizing on a defensive mishap to score past Mabuya in the 75th minute.
Six minutes later, Sentamu completed his brace as he took full advantage of a poor backpass to round mabuya for a third.
Two minutes later, Sentamu added his third and Vipers’ fourth, getting at the end of Karisa’s superb delivery to calmly score past Mabuya.
The Venoms return to action on November 26 with a visit to Nakisunga Saza Grounds against URA FC.
Meanwhile, four days earlier 14th placed UPDF will host Maroons FC at the Bombo Military rounds.
How both teams lined up
Vipers: Alfred Macumu Mudekereza (GK), Hillary Mukundane, Disan Ggaliwango, Murushid Juuko, Bashir Asiku, Siraje Ssentamu, Karim Watambala, Bright Anukani, Milton Karisa (c), Yunus Sentamu, Abubakar Lawal
Substitutions: Denis Kiggundu, Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye, Rogers Torach, Olivier Osomba, Darcy Mbaka, Ibrahim Orit
UPDF: Simon Mabuya (GK), Rogers Adriko, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Oscar Agaba, Davis Kakaire, Andrew Kiwanuka, Ibrahim Wammanah (c), Abasi Kyeyune, Swalik Segujja,
Substitutions: Paul Akweny, Rashid Faridi, Aggrey Kiirya, Pius Kaggwa, Hussein Zzinda, Yasin Sabira
Photo Credit: Vipers SC Media
