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Vipers SC needed to avoid defeat in their tie against Soltilo Bright Stars to head to the summit but wasted the opportunity as the latter beat them 1-0 on Tuesday.
Emmanuel Loki’s sole goal at Kavumba Recreation Grounds induced pain to the Venoms on a day they were wasteful in front of the goal.
The hosts probed first and asked instant questions, but goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora denied Noordin Bunjo’s seventh-minute shot.
Three minutes later, the guests turned on the heat, and nearly scored by Milton Karisa’s strong effort was brilliantly saved by custodian Hassan Matovu.
A minute after the restart, Vipers were yet again denied, this time by the woodwork after Karim Watambala’s well struck shot.
At the 57th-minute mark, the Kitende side wasted another goal-scoring opportunity as Karisa rattled the post, with Matovu well beaten.
Five minutes later, Bright Stars, against the run of play, broke the deadlock through Peter Emmanuel Loki, who capitalized on a defensive mix-up to slot in an empty net.
In a desperate search for a leveller, Karisa and Karim Ndugwa were both denied by Matovu late on, as the hosts held on for all points.
Vipers, in second, continue to trail leaders SC Villa by a point, with the former playing a game less.
Alex Isabirye’s charges will seek to make an instant response when they visit bottom side Onduparaka FC.
On the other hand, Bright Stars, who have ascended to seventh with 35 points, will be back against Wakiso Giants on May 16.
How they lined up
Bright Stars: Hassan Matovu (GK), Gideon Etou, Warren Buule, Fiat Cleophas, Noordin Bunjo, Ibarhim Kasinde, Emmanuel Loki, Nelson Senkatuka, Denis Kaka Omony, Alex Mandela, Johnathan Odongo
Substitutions: Innocent Kitimbo, Derrick Kiggundu, J. Kaziro, Shanon Mulabi, Amos Muwonge
Vipers: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Hilary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, Siraje Ssentamu, Nzau Lutumba, Abubakar Lawal, Milton Karisa, Martin Kizza, Cromwel Rwothomio
Substitutions: Denis Kiggundu, Karim Ndugwa, Karim Watambala, Gracia Mpongo, Desire Tety, Abdu Lumala, Disan Ggaliwango.
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