In a night charged with emotion and determination, Vipers SC reclaimed the top spot in the Uganda Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mbarara City at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Sunday. Allan Okello’s composed 66th-minute penalty proved decisive, capping off a poignant evening for the club as they paid tribute to their late teammate, Nigerian forward Abubakar Lawal.
The match, played under a sombre atmosphere, was Vipers’ first since the tragic passing of Lawal last Monday. The stadium was adorned with images of the fallen striker, while players wore black armbands and shirts bearing his name in a heartfelt tribute. A minute of silence was observed, honoring Lawal’s memory, before the team channeled their emotions into a gritty performance on the pitch.
Okello, the talismanic forward, stepped up to coolly convert a penalty after Yunus Sentamu was brought down in the box. The goal not only sealed the win but also took Okello’s season tally to 14, further solidifying his pursuit of the golden boot. His clinical finish was the highlight of a tense encounter, as Vipers battled to secure three crucial points.
Despite the emotional weight of the occasion, Vipers showed resilience and focus. Okello and Karim Watambala tested Mbarara City goalkeeper Abdul Kimera with long-range efforts, while Sentamu and Kenneth Kimera missed clear chances to extend the lead. At the other end, Mbarara City, missing head coach Livingston Mbabazi, struggled to break down a disciplined Vipers defense. Alfred Mudekereza made a crucial save to deny Wycliff Ahumuza, while Jimmy Ndalambi and Paul Busolo failed to capitalize on rare opportunities.
While the performance may not have been vintage Vipers, the result was all that mattered. The win propelled them back to the top of the league table, a fitting tribute to Lawal’s memory and a testament to the team’s mental strength. As the final whistle blew, the players and fans united in celebration, honoring their fallen teammate while keeping their title ambitions firmly on track.
For Vipers, this victory was more than just three points—it was a statement of unity, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. And for Allan Okello, it was another step closer to individual glory in a season where he continues to shine.