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Vipers SC got the 2024/25 Startimes Uganda Premier League season off to a slow and an unpleasant start, after suffering a 3-1 defeat to NEC FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Sunday.
It wasn't the kind of start to life head coach Nikola Kavazovic anticipated, as he was taking charge of his maiden game in the Ugandan league.
Goals from Muzamir Mutyaba and old-boys Cromwell Rwothomio plus Paul Mucureezi induced the defeat to the Venoms. Defender Livingstone Mulondo netted the consolation on an evening to forget.
Vipers got off relatively well and should have been in the lead after five minutes, but Allan Okello headed inches wide from a Moses Waiswa corner.
Mutyaba then drew NEC into the lead in the 11th minute with a powerful hit past goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu.
With dominance amplified, Mulondo brought Vipers level in the 25th minute through a thumping header past NEC custodian Hannington Ssebwalunyo, off another superb Waiswa corner.
Kavazovic's charges should've headed into the break with a 2-1 lead, but Waiswa's 43rd-minute freekick was met with an exquisite Ssebwalunyo save.
Into the second half, substitute Rwothomio added the hosts’ second, before Mucureezi made it three two minutes later.
Despite a late surge for the Venoms, Ernest Ankunda, Yunus Sentamu and Okello, could not breach Ssebwalunyo, as Vipers settled for an agonizing defeat.
The latter will have an instant chance to make amends, as they'll battle Express FC at the St. Mary's Stadium, Kitende.
NEC will be away at Kitara FC.
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