Uganda Premier League
Onduparaka FC vs Vipers SC
Green Light Stadium, Arua
Saturday, 26-10-2019 @3pm
ARUA – Vipers SC have been the most impressive side since the 2019/20 Uganda Premier League started at the back end of October.
Since the first kick of a ball, the Venoms have not lost a single game and sit top of the standings with 20 points.
Edward Golola’s side have played 8 games so far, winning 6 and drawing the other two.
Currently, they are on a four game-winning run and will be hoping they can make it five on the trot on Saturday when they take on Onduparaka FC at the Green Light Stadium.
Vipers history in Arua is not good as they are yet to win a game there-against Onduparaka, but Golola is optimistic this may be the time they overcome that hurdle.
“We have prepared ourselves well for this game, noted Golola as quoted by Vipers SC official website.
“We are aware of the history we have with our opponents but one thing I can assure you is that all that can change anytime.
“The boys are focused on winning and that’s what is important.”
The Boys will indeed have to be focused as they come up against a side that is in desperate need for points.
After a good start that saw Onduparaka win five of their opening six games, their form has deteriorated in the recent past.
Livingstone Mbabazi’s side have lost all of their last two games, losing 2-1 at home to URA FC and then 4-0 away to KCCA FC.
Staring the day in 4th, the Caterpillars will climb into 3rd with victory on Saturday as they are just a point behind SC Villa.
Team News
Former Onduparaka captains Rashid Toha and Muhammad Shaban are both still sidelined with injuries and will not take part in the game for Vipers SC. Dan Sserunkuma did not travel to Arua but youngster Karim Watambara who missed out of the 2-1 win over Bul FC with a slight knock replaces him. Goalkeeper Derrick Ochan returns to the fold after being left out of the 18 man squad that played at home in midweek. Ibrahim Tembo and Henry Kitegenyi also made the traveling squad and will be hoping to play if selected. Rahmat Ssenfuka is still recovering from a fever.
For Onduparaka, Mbabazi has no fresh injuries to deal with so he will have a near to full-strength side to choose from.
Match Facts
This will be the 8th meeting between the two sides since they first met in 2016.
In the previous 7 meetings, Vipers have won 4, Onduparaka one whilst the other two have all ended in draws.
Vipers come into the game without a single victory away to Onduparaka, losing once and drawing the other two of their three games in Arua.
Last season’s reverse fixture saw the two sides draw 0-0, after Vipers had defeated Onduparaka 3-0 in the first leg.
Onduparaka are one of only two sides yet to draw a game this season (other being Proline FC) and have gone on to win five and lose the other three games of their first eight encounters.
At home, they have lost one and won the other two of their first three games. That loss came in their last home games, losing 2-1 against URA FC.
For Vipers, they come into the game on an 11-games unbeaten run in the league (W9 D1). The last time they lost a league game was when they fell to URA FC in April.
Away from home, they are on a 7 game unbeaten run (W4 D3), since losing to Ndejje University in March.
