Friday result
Vipers SC 3-1 KCCA
Vipers are three points clear at the summit of the Azam Uganda Premier League (AUPL) following their come-from-behind 3-2 victory over direct title rivals KCCA on Friday.
A brace from Venoms hotshot Milton Karisa and a goal from Erisa Ssekisambu were enough to silence the visitors.
KCCA had taken an early lead through live wire Shaban Muhammad, who also got a brace, before Karisa and Ssekisambu interrupted the party.
Victory sees Vipers open a three-point lead of SC Villa, who face Mbarara City on Saturday.
The Venoms, twice league champions, top standings on 52 points, three and four ahead of Villa and KCCA.
Vipers and KCCA have, however, played one more match that Villa.
Fresh from their 7-2 victory over URA, KCCA looked like they could start yet another goal fest in Kitende.
A ball whipped in from the right by KCCA skipper Timothy Awany drew Vipers goalkeeper Ismael Watenga out of goal but the misjudgement allowed Shaban to cleverly head in at the far post for a 12th minute lead.
But with a parked St Mary’s in full voice, Vipers hit back immediately; the visitors failing to clear their lines and Karisa stuffing home from a yard.
The hosts intensified pressure from then on, with both sides trading blows end to end.
But it was Vipers that looked more dangerous when they ventured forward, one of their fine moves ending with an exquisite low drive by Ssekisambu past KCCA goalkeeper Charles Lukwago on 45 minutes.
As KCCA, who had withdrawn their classy youngster Allan Okello for Patrick Kaddu after the break, chased for an equaliser Vipers made it 3-1 through Karisa with nine minutes to go.
The visitors were not going down without a fight, however; Shaban again controlling on the chest before swerving to beat Watenga on 84 minutes for his 12th league goal and a tense finish.
But Vipers, who had coach Edward Golola take charge again as Miguel Da Costa sat out his second suspended game, held on for all three points.