Usama Rescues Vipers as URA Hold League Leaders

Friday Results
Vipers SC 1-1 URA FC
Buhimba United Saints 0-2 Express FC
SC Villa 0-0 BUL FC

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Vipers SC were held to a 1-1 draw by URA FC on Friday evening in a Uganda Premier League match played at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Usama Arafat’s second-half equaliser cancelled out Ronald Otti’s first-half opener as the Venoms came from behind to preserve their unbeaten run on the pitch this season.

Playing under the floodlights in Kitende, URA FC took the lead in the 35th minute through defender Ronald Otti, who headed home from Ibrahim Mugulusi’s well-delivered free kick.

Vipers SC failed to find an equaliser before the break as the visitors carried a 1-0 advantage into halftime.

The hosts responded quickly after the restart and needed only four minutes to level matters through Usama Arafat.

Ashraf Mandela launched a long throw into the box, and Hillary Mukundane rose highest to head against the crossbar before the well-positioned Arafat nodded home the rebound.

Both sides settled for a point apiece at full-time as Vipers SC denied URA FC a first away league victory of the season.

The Venoms remain top of the table with 60 points with three matches left to play.

The draw moves URA FC to 26 points, 10 above the relegation zone, and with three games remaining, the Tax Collectors are now mathematically safe from relegation.

In their next fixture, Vipers SC will visit Police FC on May 12, while URA FC will host Calvary FC on the same day.

Matchday 27 of the Startimes Uganda Premier League concludes on Saturday, May 9, with Kitara FC hosting NEC FC in Hoima.

How They Started

Vipers SC: Denis Kiggundu (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Derrick Ndahiro, Hillary Mukundane (C), Rogers Torach, Enock Ssebagala, Marvin Youngman, Karim Watambala, Usama Arafat, Odili Chukwuma, Gusto Mulongo.

URA FC: Chrispas Kusiima (GK), Moses Aliro (C), James Bagesa, Ronald Otti, Joseph Ssemujju, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Ibrahim Wammanah, John Innocent Kisolo, Bruno Bunyaga, Dissan Galiwango.