Uganda Premier League: Okello shines as 10-man Vipers edge UPDF; Wagoina rescues BUL

Vipers SC players join Allan Okello in celebration at UPDF FC. Photo Credit: Vipers SC

StarTimes Uganda Premier League Results – Friday, 3rd January 2025

UPDF FC 0-1 Vipers SC

Lugazi FC 1-2 BUL FC

Allan Okello's fine form continued as his first-half strike secured a narrow 1-0 victory for 10-man Vipers SC over UPDF FC at the Bombo Barracks Military Ground.

Meanwhile, Isaac Wagoina's injury-time heroics earned BUL FC a 2-1 win over Lugazi FC, ending their five-match winless streak.

Okello seals victory for 10-Man Vipers

Vipers SC maintained their top spot in the league with a hard-fought victory thanks to Allan Okello’s 15th-minute goal. The midfielder capitalized on a defensive lapse to calmly slot home past UPDF goalkeeper Richard Anyama.

The visitors dominated the first half with Anyama producing multiple crucial saves including a stunning double stop to deny Milton Karisa and Okello. Karisa also came close with a powerful header but Anyama was up to the task.

In the second half, Vipers faced increasing pressure as UPDF pushed for an equalizer. The game’s dynamics shifted dramatically in the 77th minute when Vipers’ Derrick Ndahiro was shown a straight red card for a reckless high boot on Christopher Kawagu. Despite being a man down, Vipers’ defense held firm to secure all three points.

Vipers now sit atop the table with 31 points from 14 matches while UPDF are in 11th place with 17 points.

Next Fixtures:

UPDF FC: Host Express FC on Monday, 6th January.

Vipers SC: Host Maroons FC on Tuesday, 7th January.

BUL FC players celebrating one of Isaac Wagoina’s goal against Lugazi FC. Photo Credit: BUL FC Media.

At Najjembe Stadium in Lugazi, BUL FC ended their poor run of form with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Lugazi FC, thanks to Isaac Wagoina’s brace.

Wagoina opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Lugazi captain Richard Ayiko, who failed to clear Ibrahim Orit’s cross. Lugazi responded through a spectacular free-kick from Abdul Kalanzi in the 37th minute, setting up an intense second half.

As the game looked destined for a draw, Wagoina struck in injury time. Najib Fessali’s header from a Jerome Kirya free-kick found Wagoina perfectly positioned to seal the win for BUL.

BUL FC climbed to seventh place with 19 points while Lugazi hover dangerously near the relegation zone, just three points above the drop.

More matchday 14 action continues this evening as champions SC Villa host URA FC in Luzira while NEC FC welcome Mbarara City FC.