By Denis Turyahebwa
Kampala: Cesar Manzoki’s brace and Paul Mucurezi’s goal were enough to help Vipers ease past the army side UPDF in the first game of the second round of Star-Times Uganda Premier League on Friday at Bombo Military Barracks Grounds.
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Mucurezi scored from the spot to give the venoms a lead in the 14th minute. Ten minutes later, Disan Galiwango had a perfect opportunity to double the Venoms lead from a freekick but his effort went just inches wide.
In the 27th minute, Cesar Manzoki slotted home the second for the visitors with a classic finish.
The second goal increased the confidence and tempo of the games in favor of Vipers and they continued pressing and containing the game and in the 37th minute, Richard Basangwa missed a golden opportunity to stretch the Venoms lead.
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Towards the break, Karim Watambala was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge on UPDF’s player.
At halftime Viper’s head coach, Fred Kajoba made a double substitution bringing on Rashid Toha and Musa Ssali to replace Ibrahim Orit and Sirajje Sentamu respectively before introducing Abraham Ndugwa who was out for some time for Richard Basangwa in the 59th minute.
Vipers young starlet Aziz Kayondo picked up a second yellow card for the Venoms following a challenge on UPDF’s Kitaka in the 69th.
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Kajoba made his fourth substitution in the 70th minute introducing Najib Yiga for the goal scorer Paul Mucurezi.
Two minutes later, Viper’s custodian Fabien Mutombora made a double save to deny UPDF’s Dickens Okwir a goal.
With 9minute to full time, Manzoki sealed it with the third with a brilliant header into the top corner thanks to a wonderful delivery from Abraham Ndugwa.
The Venoms made the final change of the game in the 83rd minute bringing on Allan Kayiwa to replace Disan Galiwango.
Manzoki was named man of the match which earns him UGX 100,000.
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And at the end of the 90, it was a convincing victory for the Venoms, three points collected, three goals and a clean sheet. Amazing way to start the second round and perfect way to revenge by Vipers having lost to this same club 1-0 at Kitende in the first round.
The Venoms will play against Busoga United in Stanbic Bank Uganda Cup round of 32 in their next match on Monday at the St Mary’s Stadium.
Star-Times Uganda Premier League returns on Saturday with Express FC hosting URA at Wankulukuku while Kyetume will face off with Police FC in both matches at 4:00pm.
