Vipers striker Yunus Sentamu scored his second goal of the season to seal a 2-1 victory over Mbarara City FC in a Uganda Premier League match played on Saturday at Rwamanja in Kamwenge.
Sentamu’s late strike proved decisive after the Ankole Lions had cancelled out the visitors’ opener from Milton Karisa through Thomas Kakaire.
Vipers made a bright start and took the lead in the 20th minute when Usama Arafat finished off a well-worked move. The forward converted from close range after good build-up play involving Karisa.
The visitors controlled the early exchanges and nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, but Karisa missed a clear opportunity as Mbarara City struggled to cope with the Venoms’ tempo.
The hosts improved after the break and found an equaliser in the 65th minute. Substitute Kakaire struck to level matters and ignite the home supporters, briefly raising hopes that the Ankole Lions could frustrate the league leaders.
However, Vipers’ persistence eventually paid off. With six minutes remaining, Sentamu restored the visitors’ lead to secure maximum points.
Karisa delivered a good cross from the right that Mbarara City failed to clear, and Sentamu reacted quickest at the far post to bundle the ball in with a powerful volley.
The goal marked Sentamu’s second of the campaign. The striker had earlier scored his first of the season against Lugazi FC in Najjembe on December 17, but has struggled for regular playing time this term.
Sentamu previously enjoyed prolific seasons with Vipers, winning the league’s golden boot in the 2020/21 campaign with 16 goals before following it up with 14 the next season. His output dipped in recent years, managing six goals last season and three during the 2023/24 campaign.
This season, Vipers’ leading scorers in the league are Watambala with eight goals, Arafat with seven and Karisa with six.
The victory strengthened Vipers’ grip at the top of the table with 44 points, four ahead of second-placed Kitara FC on 40.
For Mbarara City, the defeat was their 10th of the season. They remain on 15 points, just two above the relegation zone.
