By Brian Bariyo Tumuramye
Paul Mucureezi scored on his Vipers SC debut as they defeated Kyetume FC 1-0 in the Uganda Premier League game played at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Friday.
The new signing from Mbarara City got at the end of a brilliant ball from Tito Okello to slot home as early as the ninth minute and send the home fans into frenzy.
He had a chance to double his and Vipers’ tally but a heavy touch let him down to allow the visitors to recover on 28 minutes
As the Venoms pressed for a second, Paul Willa nearly played in Bayo but his low cross was intercepted by Jonathan Mugabi.
With 18 minutes to play Fahad Bayo headed a Brian Nkuubi header onto the cross bar in what Vipers’ best chance of the second half.
Mucureezi then directed a Frank Tumwesigye cross over as the second goal failed to arrive.
He was replaced at half time as the Slaughters opted to go for more pace in the second But again, the two teams struggled to create opportunities although Vipers thought they had extended their lead when Fahad Bayo header off a well weighted Brian Nkuubi cross ricocheted the cross bar and appeared to have crossed the line but the assistant saw otherwise.
Despite the introductions of Nkuubi, Rahmat Ssenfuka and Umar Kyebatala, Vipers would have to settle for just the one goal in the end.
Kyetume too had chances of their own although they could not capitalize.
After failing to create anything worthy in the opening half, Ibrahim Kazindula saw an effort cleared off the line by Nkuubi in what was the visitors’ most notable opening.
Despite changes that saw Noel Nasasira, Mikel Angel and Ibrahim Kazindua replace Robert Ssentongo, Denis Lubowa and Bashir Wandawa, the visitors just couldn’t recover from the Mucureezi early strike.
To cap a memorable debut, Mucureezi was named man of the match at the end of the game.
The final whistle was greeted by cheers from the home team who re-open their four point and Vipers SC remain top of the log with 39 points from 16 games and next match vipers will visit Proline next Tuesday while Kyetume, they are now 12th with 16 points and their next match will be on Wednesday as they are hosting Tooro United FC
Both teams starting lineups
Vipers FC
Fabien Mutombora (G.K), Paul Willa, Aziz Kayondo, Geofrey Wasswa (Captain), Jacob Okoa, Siraje Ssentamu, Paul Mucureezi, Frank Tumwesigye, Fahad Bayo, Tito Okello, Abdul Karim Watambala
Kyetume FC
Martin Othieno GK, Samson Mutyaba, Benon Tahomera, Jonathan Mugabi, Ibrahim Kazindula, Isejja Deo, Lule Julius, Sande Steven, Cephas Kambugu, Robert Ssentongo, Denis Lubowa
Results of other games played on Friday
-Bright Stars FC 1-0 BUL FC
-Busoga United FC 2-0 Express FC
-Maroons FC 1-2 Proline FC
