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Onduparaka FC 1-3 Vipers SC: Venoms break Arua jinx, reclaim top spot
The reigning champions were dominant all through as they went on to pick up a vital win that keeps them at the apex of the league table
Vipers SC returned to the top of the Ugandan Premier League table after claiming a 3-1 win against Onduparaka FC on Saturday at Green Light Stadium in Arua.
Ibrahim Orit, Ceasar Manzoki and Paul Mucureezi scored for the champions while Living Kabon denied them a clean sheet with a late penalty.
Vipers took the lead in the 26th minute when Orit headed past the Caterpillars goalkeeper Michael Kagiri after receiving a good delivery from Disan Galiwango.
The teams were given the first water break at the half-hour mark with Vipers looking the hungrier side.
Kabon was denied in the 36th minute with a quick clearance by Vipers defender Rashid Toha to ensure the visitors head into the half-time break with a slim lead.
Viper coach Fred Kajoba made a 55th-minute change when he brought on Mucureezi for Mohamad Shaban and four minutes later, they doubled their lead when Manzoki tapped in past Kagiri. Mucureezi played a critical role resulting in the goal as his effort rebounded for Manzoki to score rather comfortably.
Mucureezi added the third goal three minutes after the hour mark as the Venoms became more dominant and determined away from home.
Allan Kayiwa was brought on in the 71st minute to replace the hardworking Manzoki before a second water break was taken
Five minutes before the full-time whistle, Kajoba made three more changes - he brought on David Bagoole, Joseph Dhata, and Dan Sserunkuma in place of Karim Watambala, Orit, and Yunus Ssentamu, who has impressed since his return to the side.
Kabon scored via a penalty in the 90th minute to deny the Premier League champions a clean sheet. The victory in Arua would serve as one of the sweetest for Vipers who have often struggled to get wins at the venue.
The win came as Kajoba missed key players - Dennis Kiggundu is suffering from a knee injury, captain Halid Lwaliwa was ruled out by an eye problem, Lawrence Tezikya sat out due to an ankle injury while Abraham Ndugwa was ruled out by a hamstring issue. Siraje Ssentamu and Milton Karisa were unavailable due to a hamstring and a torn muscle, respectively.
Onduparaka FC XI: Kagiri, Rodgers, Akoch, Okocha, Andama, Agaba, Kabon, Jangeyambe, Okech, Mohammed.
Subs: Opoka, Okot, Adinho, Ajobe, Ochen, Adriko, Magombe, Yakubu, Muwonge.
Vipers SC XI: Ssekagya, Willa, Galiwango, Toha, Asiku, Ssali, Watambala, Orit, Shaban, Manzoki, Ssentamu.
Subs: Mutombora, Mulondo, Dhata, Bagoole, Kayiwa, Sserunkuma, Mucureezi.
