David GOMBE
Vipers SC thrashed NEC FC 3-1 under the floodlights of Kitende on Thursday to take control of the Uganda Premier League title race.
Three first half goals for the Venoms from Hillary Mukundane, Allan Okello and Isaac Ogwang were enough to fire Vipers to maximum points.
It was a dominant performance for the Venoms who moved five points clear at the top of the league standings.
A Seventh league title is now in sight for the Kitende based side who remain in contention for another historic double including the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
NEC proved no match for the Venoms in a game that always looked likely to have a major say in determining who would be crowned champions.
Hussein Mbalangu’s side never recovered from Mukundane’s 22nd minute opener.
AOkello doubled Vipers’ lead in the 42nd minute of the game for his 16th goal of the season.
Any hopes of an unlikely comeback ended just before halftime when Abdul Karim Watambala fed Ogwang for the hosts third goal.
Paul Mucureezi pulled one back for NEC from the spot in the 83rd but it was too late to change the outcome.
Vipers are now on 56 points with six games left and five above second placed NEC FC who are on 51 points. The Venoms next host SC Villa in the Stanbic Uganda Cup Quarterfinal tie on Easter Monday.
