Allan Okello delivered a captain’s performance as Vipers SC solidified their position at the summit of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League with a commanding 3-1 win over second-placed NEC FC on Thursday at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
In a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash, Okello proved decisive, setting the tone for Vipers’ dominance. The midfielder floated in a precise freekick that Hillary Mukundane headed home in the 22nd minute to give the hosts the lead.
Just before halftime, Okello turned scorer, finishing off a neat team move by slotting in from a Yunus Sentamu assist in the 42nd minute. Vipers weren’t done yet. In first-half stoppage time, Isaac Ogwang added a third, calmly firing past the NEC keeper after being set up by Karim Watambala, giving the Venoms a comfortable 3-0 cushion heading into the break.
NEC pulled one back six minutes from time when Paul Mucureezi converted a penalty following a foul on James Jarieko in the box, but it was too little, too late.
The win marked Vipers’ 17th victory in 24 matches and extended their lead at the top of the table to five points, now sitting on 56 points. NEC remain in second on 51, while BUL FC, URA FC, and Kitara FC trail further behind.
With just six games to go, Vipers now have one hand on the title as they prepare for a tricky away fixture against Maroons FC on April 24.
