By James Robert Kayindi
Once again, two titles contenders played to a 2-2 draw as defending champions Vipers Sports Club hosted a lethal Kampala Capital City Authority FC at Buikwe Stadium in the Azam Uganda Premier League (AUPL) yesterday.
The visitors took an early lead through Hakim Ssenkumba who struck after just 11 minutes of the game before team skipper Tom Masiko stepped up to convert from a penalty spot in the 19th minute to double the lead for the Kasasiro Boys. The penalty followed an untimely challenge on striker Nelson Ssenkatuka by Vipers’ defender Halid Lwalira leaving no choice for center referee Mashood Ssali but to point to the spot.
Five minutes later, the magical Farouk Miya worked out his antics to set up for Erisa Ssekisambu who headed past the KCCA custodian Emmanuel Opio to make it 2-1.
With the hosts looking to be comfortably back in the game, the two sides’ efforts paid less until half-time.
In the second half, Vipers tabled more questions for KCCA than they could answer forcing defender Denis Okot to handle Miya’s cross from the left wing before referee Mashood pointed to the spot.
Last season’s Most Valuable Player, Farouk Miya once again stepped up and converted from 12 yards to level matters in the 55th minute.
The score line remained unchanged for the rest of the game to end 2-2 like the case was last season when KCCA visited Vipers.
“I’m happy we didn’t lose away from home but we wasted many chances that would have changed the tide of the game in our favour,” Ssimbwa told the club’s website after the game.
The result implies that KCCA remain top with 11points from five games with Vipers in the second spot on similar points from the same number of games.
Vipers Starting XI: James Alitho, Nicholas Wadada, Dan Birikwarila, Harid Lwaliwa, Yusuf Mukisa, Deus Bukenya, Keziron Kizito(Allan Kyambadde), Brian Nkuubi (Joseph Mpande), Miya Farooq, Erisa Ssekisambu (Pius Wanji), William Wadri
Unused Subs: Ismael Watenga, Duncan Sseninde, Musa Malunda, David Owori
KCCA Starting XI: Emmanuel Opio (GK), Denis Okot, Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa, Timothy Awany, Ivan Ntege, Hakim Ssenkumba (Owen Kasule) Muzamiru Mutyaba, Tom Masiko, Michael Birungi (Sulaimon Akinyemi, Nelly Ssenkatuka (Shaban Kondo)
Unused subs: Benjamin Ochan (GK), Saka Mpiima, Jackson Nunda, Martin Mpuga
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com