David GOMBE
Vipers SC will begin life without their late forward Abubaker Lawal who passed away on Monday when they take on Mbarara City under the floodlights of Kitende on Sunday.
According to Police Preliminary Reports, Lawal fell off the third floor of Voice Mall in Bwebajja.
On Thursday, Vipers held Dua prayers for the Nigerian whose body will be repatriated to his home country on Sunday.
The Venoms will be aiming to continue with their fine form under the stewardship of John Ayala Luyinda and Fred Muhumuza when they face off with the Ankole Lions.
Mbarara City are managed by former Vipers SC head coach Charles Livingstone Mbabazi.
The two sides last faced off on Thursday, 20th February in the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 32 tie with Vipers prevailing 2-0 courtesy of Yunus Sentamu and Allan Okello goals.
In the first round meeting, Vipers beat the Ankole Lions 3-1 in Mbarara.
Vipers are seeking to reclaim the top after NEC FC’s 2-0 victory over Lugazi FC. Both Vipers and NEC FC are on 40 points but Hussein Mbalangu’s side have a better head to head.
Mbarara City are 12th with 20 points, seven above the relegation zone.
Team News
Vipers will be without suspended Hillary Mukundane while Milton Karisa, Isaac Ogwang remain sidelined.
Abubakali Walusimbi will also be out for the host having joined the Uganda Cubs (U-17) team that is preparing for the forthcoming U-17 AFCON.
Head to head
2024/25
*Vipers Vs Mbarara City
*Mbarara City 1-3 Vipers
2023/24
Vipers 4-1 Vipers
Mbarara City 0-0 Vipers
2021/22
Vipers 2-0 Mbarara
Mbarara City 1-2 Vipers
2020/21
Vipers 2-3 Mbarara City
Mbarara City 1-0 Vipers
2019/20
*Mbarara City 0-0 Vipers
*Vipers 2-2 Mbarara City
2018/19
*Mbarara City 0-0 Vipers
*Vipers 1-1 Mbarara City
2017/18
*Vipers 2-0 Mbarara City
*Mbarara City 0-1 Vipers
