By Musa Kikuuno
KAMPALA, Uganda – The race for the 2024/25 Startimes Uganda Premier League title took a dramatic turn on Match Day 11, as Vipers SC soared to the top of the standings, capitalizing on a draw for NEC FC, who slipped to second position.
Vipers solidified their claim to the summit with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bright Stars, while NEC FC, who were previously perched atop the table, were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by ten-man URA FC.
The result saw Vipers sail over NEC FC by a single point, with 24 points from 11 matches compared to NEC’s 23.
In a thrilling weekend of action, Express FC pulled off an impressive 1-0 win over KCCA FC at Lugogo, sending shockwaves through the league and further tightening the race at the top.
The victory propelled Express into fourth place, on level points with KCCA (19), who have now sits in the third position after the defeat.
Meanwhile, Wasswa Bossa’s Kitara FC provided the weekend’s most dominant display with an astonishing 6-0 drubbing of Asaph Mwebaze’s Mbale Heroes.
The win saw Kitara move further away from the relegation zone, while Mbale Heroes remain second from bottom, with just 8 points from 11 games.
At Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku, SC Villa and Lugazi FC played out an entertaining 1-1 draw, while in Western Uganda at Kakyeka grounds, Mbarara City’s struggles continued as they fell 3-0 to Maroons FC.
The result added to the woes of Mbarara, who are struggling to keep pace with the mid-table teams.Elsewhere, Abbey Bogere’s Bul FC lost 2-0 to UPDF FC, while Police FC bagged a crucial 2-1 win over Wakiso Giants to continue their steady climb up the table.
The latest round of results has had a significant impact on the league standings, with Vipers now leading the table, closely followed by NEC in second.
KCCA, Express, and others in the chasing pack will be looking to respond as the race for the 2024/25 title intensifies.
Standings after Match Day 11:
Vipers SC – 24 points
NEC FC – 23 points
KCCA FC – 19 points
Express FC – 19 points
Kitara FC – 16 points
Police FC – 16 points
Maroons FC – 16 points
UPDF FC – 16 points
Villa SC – 15 points
URA FC – 15 points
BUL FC – 8 points
Lugazi FC – 12 points
Mbarara city -12points
Kitara FC -11points
Wakiso giants – 9points
Mbale heroes – 8points
Bright Stars – 6points
With the league heating up, the battle for supremacy looks set to be an exciting one as the teams head into the next round of fixtures.