As the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) approaches its final bend, a high-stakes top-of-the-table showdown is set to light up Matchday 24 as league leaders Vipers SC welcome title-chasing NEC FC under the floodlights. Only two points separate the two titans, with Vipers aiming to stretch their lead to five, while NEC are determined to reclaim the summit and reignite their title dream. The clash is a reverse of the season opener, where NEC stunned the Venoms with a narrow 1-0 victory at Phillip Omondi Stadium, setting the tone for a fierce rivalry.
Vipers SC head into this fixture bruised but not broken after a recent 1-0 defeat to SC Villa at Wankulukuku Stadium — a result that ended their impressive six-month unbeaten streak. However, the return of their talismanic captain, Milton Karisa, has injected fresh optimism into the camp. Karisa, who was sidelined by injury since January, marked his comeback with a vital assist in the dramatic 2-2 draw against Express FC, where his late square pass to Mulongo salvaged a point. His leadership and relentless drive will be key as Vipers look to exact revenge and reinforce their title credentials.
All eyes will also be on playmaker Allan Okello, whose flair and vision must rise to the occasion against a well-drilled NEC FC side coached by the tactically astute Hussein Mbalangu. NEC’s defensive resilience has been a cornerstone of their campaign, and Mbalangu will be urging his charges to stay compact and capitalize on any Vipers errors. “Vipers SC has good players, many fans and is financially stable,” Mbalangu said ahead of the clash. “We as NEC FC have a limited number of fans, good players, but what changes fans to get on your side in stadia is the type of football and resilience you put up against all odds. It’s going to happen today because we badly need the three points to gain back the table.”
NEC FC will also look to forward Brian Ahebwa for inspiration, as he prepares to face his former club with a point to prove. Ahebwa’s pace and poise in front of goal could be a difference-maker against a Vipers defense that has shown occasional vulnerability under pressure. The visitors are banking on cohesion, discipline, and clinical execution as they attempt to walk away from Kitende with maximum points and a shift in the title narrative.
Elsewhere, the curtain has fallen on Matchday 24 with notable results across the league. Mbarara City succumbed to a 2-0 home defeat to SC Villa at Kakyeka Stadium, while Mbale Heroes edged Express FC 1-0. BUL FC and Police FC played out a goalless stalemate at the FUFA Technical Centre, UPDF overcame Maroons 2-1 at Bombo, and URA FC clinched a narrow 1-0 win over KCCA FC in a televised thriller at Hamz Stadium. But all eyes now remain fixed on Kitende, where bragging rights, redemption, and the title race hang delicately in the balance.
Photo: Kamira Asha
