Action at Njeru. (BUL FC media photo)
Vipers suffered a dent in their title race in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League after they were held to one all draw by BUL FC away at the FUFA Technical center in Njeru on Friday evening.
The Venoms entered this match aiming to continue their momentum from the first round, where they completed an unbeaten run of fourteen matches. However, BUL proved a tough opponent.
Vipers who drew first blood in the 31st minute through Karim Watambala, they created further chances but conceded an easy goal early in the second half when Ashraf Mandela failed to clear Karim Ndugwa’s free header off the line.
The opening twenty minutes were characterized by cautious play from both teams; however, Vipers steadily began making their intent clear as the half-hour mark approached.
The first clear chance fell to Enock Ssebagala, who attempted a close-range rebound from Chukumwa’s corner kick, only for his effort to be cleared off the line by the vigilant George Kasonko.
Usama Arafat saw his attempt sail across the goal mouth after brilliantly dribbling past BUL’s Nicholas Mwere.
BUL’s keeper Tom Ikara almost gifted Milton Karisa an opening goal when he poorly read the flight of Enock Luyima’s teasing cross, which the defense later forced into a corner kick.
Ikara fumbled while handling the resultant set piece, spilling the ball into the box. Karim Watambala smartly volleyed it into the net to give Vipers the lead.
BUL responded immediately, but Alfred Mudekereza denied them an equalizer when he parried away Ssewagudde’s shot. Enock Luyima then cleared the danger further.
Both sides made changes at the resumption of the second stanza, with Vipers’ Jack Minaert withdrawing Enock Ssebagala for Marvin Youngman, while BUL replaced Ibrahim Mugulusi with Jerome Kirya.
Karim Ndugwa headed in an equalizer for the hosts in the 46th minute off a well delivered corner.
Despite introducing Mulongo Gusto, Robin Kane and Yunus Ssentamu to energize their attack, Vipers found BUL’ defense frustratingly resilient. Alex Isabirye’s side held firm, denying the Venoms a decisive breakthrough.
Vipers squandered multiple golden opportunities;
Watambala arrived a fraction too late to convert Usama Arafat’s cutback, leaving the chance unanswered.
Usama Arafat’s hesitated to shoot at goal, allowing Nicholas Mwere to clear what seemed an open goal chance.
BUL also threatened through Mwere and Ssewagudde but failed to capitalize on two decent openings.
Reagan Kalyowa dribbled past Ashraf Mandela but fired straight into goalkeeper Mudekereza’s gloves.
This stalemate extends Vipers’ winless streak at Njeru to four consecutive visits. Nevertheless, the Venoms remain atop the table with 37 points while BUL are momentarly move to 7th with 20 points before NEC play KCCA tonight.
