By Denis Turyahebwa
Vipers SC hopes to defend the Star Times Uganda Premier League was soared by the Ankole Lions after their hard fought victory of 3-2 at St Mary’s Kitende on Tuesday.
Despite the consistency of Vipers lethal Striker Yunus Sentamu and attacking midfielder Paul Mucurezi who is also a former Mbarara City FC player, the defending Champions did not produce enough venom to kill the lions.
Mbarara City FC came from two goals down following the Venoms early lead through Sentamu who tapped in a brilliant delivery from Ibrahim Orit in the 16th minute.
Ten minutes later, Mucurezi doubled the lead for the hosts, courtesy of Sentamu’s hardwork and at the break it was Vipers in the driving seat 2-0.
The visitors came back to the second half with a high tempo on the ball and in the 56th minute, Solomon Okwalinga pulled back one from the sport following Rashid Toha’s handball in the area before Bashir Mutanda levelled matters for the Ankole Lions in the 63rd minute.
With just five minutes on the clock, Jude Ssemugabi slotted home the winner for Mbarara city sinking the hopes of the Venoms to defend the title they won last season.
The Ankole Lions were able to complete their double against Vipers this season and also a win took them to 32 points in the tenth position.
Elsewhere, Express FC thumped Busoga United 4-0 to reclaim the summit with a point ahead of URA.
A Hattrick from Godfrey Lwesibawa and Eric Kambale’s fouth were enough to send the red eagles to the top of the league.
Lwesibawa netted the opener in the 21st minute assisted by Martin Kizza before he doubled the lead seven minutes later again thanks to Kizza.
Six minutes into the second half, Lwesibawa completed his hattrick  credit goes to Charles Musiige’s fine delivery and later danger man Kambale sealed the big win.
Now, Vipers remain at 53 points in the third place behind URA FC at 54 in the second and now express FC at 55.
URA will play against Kyetume FC away from home in a battle to pull Express FC off the top.
