Vipers SC extended their flawless start to the campaign after squeezing past Maroons FC in a lively encounter, with Usama Arafat’s early moment of brilliance proving decisive.
The defending champions needed just a minute to draw first blood. A driven cross from Yunus Sentamu forced Derrick Basoga into an unfortunate own goal, handing Vipers the perfect opening. Seven minutes later, Usama doubled the advantage with a sharp solo run, capitalizing on Ronald Orombi’s missed interception in the centre circle before coolly slotting home.
Maroons shook off their sluggish start after half-time, growing in confidence and pulling one back in the 57th minute through Raymond Walugembe. The goal set up a tense second period as the visitors pushed relentlessly for an equaliser.
Usama Arafat’s first Uganda Premier League goal for Vipers SC – With a wand of a left foot ❤️#VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/Y9wRKbgFF7
— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) November 23, 2025
Despite the mounting pressure, Vipers maintained their composure, managing the game intelligently to seal all three points. The win lifts the Venoms to nine points from three matches, placing them 7th on the log ahead of Wednesday’s double-header clash with Express at the refurbished Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo.
Remarkably, Vipers still have four games in hand and sit only six points behind table-toppers KCCA, underlining their strong early-season position.
Maroons, meanwhile, find themselves hovering just above the relegation zone, third from bottom with five points, after suffering their third defeat in six outings. They will aim to steady their campaign when they host Lugazi on Tuesday.
