While he earned his side three valuable points, Bbaale handed Vipers' head coach Alex Isabirye his first defeat since taking over reigns at Kitende.
SC Villa forward Charles Bbaale was the star of the evening as his side edged Vipers SC 1-0 in the Uganda Premier League on Saturday at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
While he earned his side three valuable points, Bbaale handed Vipers' head coach Alex Isabirye his first defeat since taking over reigns at Kitende.
The result had Villa strengthen its hold on the summit with 46 points in 24 matches.
However, the Venoms, on the other hand, slipped in their efforts for a title defence, as they stayed third with 39 points in 21 games.
The hosts dominated proceedings in the earlier stages of the game, with Bbaale threatening and shooting wide in the 14th minute.
![](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/29042023/e3c6b32d-a5f1-48aa-8e93-4421098005be.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Villa again threatened in the 30th minute, and Bbaale drew a decent save from Fabien Mutombora after a headed effort.
Four minutes later, Bbaale wasn't to be denied this time as he headed an excellent cross from Travis Mutyaba superbly.
At the stroke of halftime, the play was halted as Vipers defender Livingstone Mulondo got stretchered off following a head collision with Mutyaba.
![](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/29042023/c0a5798e-7572-4b6d-bb0e-50296b45d13a.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
The visitors returned to the second half with more purpose and nearly got rewarded in the 58th minute, but Meddie Kibirige saved Karim Watambala's shot from a distance.
The Venoms' best chance, however, fell to Karim Ndugwa, who headed onto the crossbar a Martin Kizza cross, as Villa held on for maximum points.
Vipers hope to make quick amends on Tuesday when they host Gaddafi FC at the St Mary's Stadium, Kitende.
Meanwhile, a day later, Villa will continue their hunt with a tricky away encounter with Maroons FC at Luzira.
How they lined up
Villa: Meddie Kibirige (GK), Ivan Bogere, Charles Bbaale, Travis Mutyaba, Fred Gift (c), Kenneth Semakula, Umar Lutalo, Ivan Sserubiri, Hamza Mulambuzi, Joseph Kafumbe, Tabu Oryem
Substitutions: Hassan Musana, Fred Agandu, Aslam Muhindo, Charles Ssembalirwa, Edward Masembe, Rogers Kiwanuka, Hakim Mutebi
Vipers: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Isa Mubiru, Ashraf Mandela, Hilary Mukundane, Livingstone Mulondo, Siraje Ssentamu, Disan Ggaliwango, Bright Anukani, Milton Karisa (c), Karim Ndugwa, Abubakar Lawal
Substitutions: Denis Kiggundu, Nzau Miguel Lutumba, Rogers Torach, Karim Watambala, Garcia Mpongo, Martin Kizza, Cromwel Rwothomio.