Uganda Premier League
- Vipers 1-0 Mbarara Metropolis
- Maroons 0-0 KCCA
- UPDF 2-0 SC Villa
Vipers SC celebrated the lifetime of their late Nigerian worldwide, Abubakar Lawal, with a poignant 1-0 victory over Mbarara Metropolis on the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Sunday, 2nd March 2025.
The match, performed beneath floodlights, was filled with emotion because the group honored Lawal, who tragically handed away not too long ago.
Earlier than kickoff, a second of silence was noticed, and all Vipers gamers wore inexperienced shirts bearing Lawal’s photograph.
In addition they posed for a group photograph holding an “8” shirt, the quantity Lawal wore throughout his time on the membership.
On the pitch, Mbarara Metropolis proved to be a troublesome opponent, however the match was determined within the 66th minute by a penalty from Vipers’ high scorer, Allan Okello.
Allan Okello celebrating his aim.
The penalty got here after ahead Junior Yunus Sentamu was fouled by Mbarara Metropolis goalkeeper Abdul Kimera within the field.
Okello calmly transformed the spot-kick, sending Kimera the fallacious manner, securing his 14th league aim of the season.
The sport had began with promise for Vipers as veteran Nico Wakiro Wadada made an early run down the appropriate flank.
Nonetheless, Mbarara Metropolis additionally had their moments, with Peter Onzima and Almahad Sadik Nasur testing the Vipers protection within the first half. Regardless of these efforts, the groups went into halftime goalless.
Within the second half, Mbarara Metropolis got here out robust, however Vipers’ protection, led by Livingstone Mulondo, held agency.
Tensions rose on the Mbarara Metropolis bench after the penalty determination, with assistant coach Zaidi Byekwaso being cautioned for protesting the referee’s name.
Because the match wore on, Vipers made adjustments, bringing on Issa Bugembe and Joseph Youngman Marvin, whereas Mbarara Metropolis additionally made substitutions.
Mbarara Metropolis thought that they had equalized when Henry Kitegenyi’s aim was dominated offside within the seventy fifth minute.
Vipers’ 1-0 victory noticed them keep their place on the high of the desk with 43 factors, having gained 13 of their 18 matches.
Mbarara Metropolis, lacking head coach Charles Livingstone Mbabazi, suffered their eighth lack of the season and stay in twelfth place with 20 factors.
The win additionally marked a touching tribute to Abubakar Lawal, whose reminiscence will stay with the membership as they push ahead within the league.
Picture Credit score: Joel Kivumbi.
Elsewhere KCCA continued their 2025 winless run after drawing goalless with Maroons in Luzira whereas SC Villa as soon as once more misplaced away from to a Paul Kiwanuka coached UPDF.
UPL motion will proceed on Monday March 3, when Wakiso Giants go to Specific beneath the Lifhrs at Hamz Stadium.
