Maroons earned a hard-fought point against Vipers after a one-all draw at St Marys Stadium in Kitende on Sunday in the 2026-27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Dickson Niwamanya put the Jailers ahead with a poachers strike in the opening half before defender Kevin Bady Da Slyva levelled matters in the second period.
The home side looked sharper especially in the opening stages but Maroons were disciplined at the back throughout the contest.
Goalkeeper Derrick Ochan reacted quickly to thwart Arafat Usama inside the opening ten minutes.
On the quarter hour mark Vipers goalkeeper over jumped to collect a long throw in from Mujahid Ogama.
Abdul Karim Watambala was denied by Ochan with a routine collection in the seventeenth minute.
A minute later the visitors celebrated when Niwamanya finished from close range after a goalmouth melee.
Gusto Mulongo headed over an inviting cross by Ashraf Mandela towards the half hour mark.
Usama narrowly curled wide as the hosts sought the equaliser before the break.
Watambala shot way off target from forty yards in another attack showing signs of desperation.
On the stroke of half time Usamas brushed header sailed out following a great cross by the roving right back Mandela.
The last opportunity of the opening stanza fell to Mulongo who headed over from Watambalas corner kick.
Forward Ceaser Lobi Manzoki replaced Derrick Ndahiiro five minutes into the second half.
Innocent Katimbo came in for the weary legs of Abel Eturude for Maroons after sixty five minutes.
Farouk Miya replaced Hilary Mukundane in the Venoms second change before the equaliser by Da Slyva arrived.
Manzoki brushed the ball with an onrushing Da Slyva volleying home the equaliser inside the goal area.
Inside the final twenty minutes Raymond Walugembe replaced Niwamanya in Maroons other change.
Ronald Orombi replaced former Vipers player Brian Nkuubi Ssemakula on the eightieth minute mark.
Maroons held onto the pressure piled by the opposition to earn a point at the intimidating St Marys Stadium.
The talking point doing the rounds in Kampala is whether Vipers dropped two points against a relegation candidate or Maroons stole one with a smash and grab performance.
Match facts
- Competition: 2026-27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League
- Venue: St Marys Stadium Kitende
- Date: Sunday 11 October 2026
- Result: Vipers SC 1-1 Maroons FC
- Scorers: Dickson Niwamanya 18 min, Kevin Bady Da Slyva 68 min
- Vipers XI: Mbaba GK, Ashraf Mandela, Tarabina, Hilary Mukundane C, Kevin Bady Da Slyva, Derrick Ndahiiro, Joel Sserunjogi, Abdul Karim Watambala, Odili Chukwuma, Gusto Wa Mulongo, Arafat Usama
- Maroons XI: Derrick Ochan GK, Edward Kabona, Emmanuel Obua, Basoga, Abel Eturude, Baden Mujahid Ogama, Bayiga, Ssemwogerere, Brian Nkuubi Ssemakula
Source: Kawowo Sports
