The MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo played host on Saturday to the biggest matchup in the Uganda Premier League as Kampala Capital City Authority FC (KCCA FC) defeated the club they finished runners-up to last season, Vipers SC, by a score of 1-0. Rogers Mato scored the game’s only goal in the sixth minute to put KCCA FC on the right track towards the top of the table while deflating the momentum of Vipers after the Venoms upset African giants TP Mazembe for a historic CAF Champions League group stage qualification. KCCA are now in fourth position on six points after three games and Vipers have only one point after two matches.

Allan Okello made a much heralded return to KCCA after an adventure abroad in Algerian football and the 22-year-old Uganda national team playmaker showed why he could make the difference for the Kasasiro Boys this season. Okello collected a pass on the right flank and sent in a pinpoint cross with his favored left foot to find Mato for a bouncing header past Vipers keeper Alfred Mudekereza.

Both teams struggled to create concrete opportunities following Mato’s goal. Okello did well to sneak by a Vipers defender on the right flank but his cross was cleared before Congolese forward Simon Kankonde had a clear look on goal but his shot was right at Mudekereza. After the halftime break Vipers midfielder Bright Anukani picked out Livingstone Mulondo but the defender could not steer his header on target.

Defense was the winner on the day and that was just fine with hosts KCCA as Vipers failed to find an equalizer. Anukani sent in another dangerous free kick service from out wide towards the end but neither Milton Karisa nor Ashraf Mandela could get a touch to the bouncing ball.

Highlights from the match are below following the scores from Saturday, which also saw Arua Hill SC defeat Maroons 3-1 at home.

KCCA FC 1-0 Vipers SC

Arua Hill SC 3-1 Maroons

KCCA FC 1-0 Vipers SC