Vipers eying league summit with trip to URA after KCCA falter

Alex Isabirye will be the center of attention as his erratic URA FC faces off against his former team, Vipers SC, under the Nakivubo floodlights this Friday.

The Venoms aim to take the top spot in the Uganda Premier League following KCCA FC’s loss to NEC FC.

With a win over the tax collectors, Vipers could ascend to first place in the league standings.

The hosts have experienced an uneven season, having secured three victories while also enduring three losses and two defeats.

Isabirye, who led Vipers to a historic Cup double in the 2021/22 season, will look to inflict damage on his old club.

John Ayala Luyinda’s team has recorded four wins in their last five matches, with the only dropped points coming in a 1-1 draw against KCCA FC.

Vipers’ assistant coach Fred Muhumuza, a former member of URA FC, anticipates a challenging match.

“We expect a very competitive game with high intensity but it’s a job we have to do as we target maximum points against a top side away from home.”

Team Update

URA FC will benefit from the return of versatile player Hudu Mulikyi, who completed a one-match suspension during the 2-1 loss to Maroon. Goalkeeper Denis Otim has also fully recovered from his injury.

However, the tax collectors will be without midfielder Isma Mugulusi, forward Shariph Kimbowa, and goalkeeper Derrick Ochan, who is still undergoing rehabilitation.

Vipers SC are not facing any new injury concerns before this match.

Key Players

Isabirye’s squad will depend on Ivan Ahimbishibwe and Moses Aliro to secure maximum points against a team they have not defeated in their last three encounters.

For the Venoms, the trio of Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, and Milton Karisa is anticipated to play a crucial role in their offense.

Head-to-Head

In the last 22 league encounters, Vipers holds a slight advantage over URA with 8 victories, while they have suffered 7 losses to the tax collectors, and 5 matches have ended in draws.