Electric man Lumala opens account, as Vipers return to winning ways

Lumala in action for Vipers|Vipers SC Image

SUPL Electric man Lumala opens account, as Vipers return to winning ways

Allan Damba • 19:56 - 02.05.2023

The biggest headline, though, was Abdu Lumala, who opened his StarTimes Uganda Premier League account following a demanding spell since his return to Kitende.

Champions Vipers SC got back to winning ways after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Gaddafi FC at the St Mary's Stadium, Kitende, on Tuesday.

The biggest headline, though, was Abdu Lumala, who opened his StarTimes Uganda Premier League account following a demanding spell since his return to Kitende.

The once pacy winger had struggled for playing time due to fitness, while his attitude also got questioned for the months he's been with Vipers.

Abubakar Lawal had given the Kitende side a deserved lead in the first half for his second league goal.

The Venoms, who had a lively start to the game, had the first purposeful sight of goal in the 15th minute as Milton Karisa shot wide after a well-weighted pass from Karim Watambala.

The guests needed a Yunusu Sibira intervention as he threw his body to clear off the line a goal-bound effort from Lawal in the 20th minute.

The latter, however, was not to be denied in the 23rd minute as he tapped home a brilliant pass from Karisa down the right to break the deadlock.

It should have been 2-0 up in the 25th minute, but Desire Tety's powerful header met a superb Joel Mutakubwa save.

Five minutes later, the hosts nearly doubled their lead through Karisa, but defender Sibira yet again stood firm to deny him with a timely interception.

Mutakubwa was yet again called into action with a few minutes to halftime to tame a Watambala freekick.

Moments after the restart, Vipers nearly made it two, but Mutakubwa denied Isa Mubiru's near-post drive.

Tety again missed an excellent opportunity as he headed over a good ball from Martin Kizza.

Seven minutes after coming on for Kizza, Lumala tapped in from point-blank range after the Gaddafi defence fluffed their lines for maximum points.

Vipers, who have extended to 42 points in third, trail KCCA FC and SC Villa by three and four points, yet they have played one and two games more, respectively.

They will be back in a blockbuster against rivals KCCA on Saturday at St Mary's Stadium.

Meanwhile, Gaddafi, who are 11th with 29 points, will take on Maroons FC in their next match on May 09 at Kakindu Stadium.

How they lined up

Vipers: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Hilary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Isa Mubiru, Siraje Ssentamu, Karim Watambala, Abubakar Lawal, Milton Karisa (c), Desire Tety, Martin Kizza

Substitutions: Denis Kiggundu, Nzau Miguel Lutumba, Abdu Lumala, Bright Anukani, Cromwel Rwothomio, Disan Ggaliwango, Omoki

Gaddafi: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Andrew Waiswa (c), Yunusu Sibira, Bakari Magumba, Amir Kakomo, John Byamukama, Johnson Odongo, Brian Kalumba, Joel Madondo, Joel Alibawano, Alex Kitata

Substitutions: Ronald Bithum, Yaya Mahad Kakooza, Frank Mulimi, Crispus Asiki, Crispus Kusiima, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Steven Munguchi