Express FC head coach James Odoch has attributed the team’s 5-2 defeat to Vipers SC in the Ugandan Premier League to losing concentration in the contest at St Mary’s Kitende on Tuesday.
The Venoms kept their push to retain the title when they gunned down Express, with the first half seeing them take a commanding 3-1 lead.
Uganda midfielder Bright Anukani gave them a head-start from the penalty spot in the 12th minute and five minutes later, Yunus Sentamu – back from injury – finished off skipper Milton Karisa’s pass for 2-0.
Read Also: Vipers SC, KCCA FC, SC Villa win as Onduparaka relegated
Joseph Akandwanaho gave Express, some hope when he reduced the deficit with a 40th-minute goal but Karisa restored the two-goal lead on the stroke of half-time when he turned in Abdul Karim Watambala’s ball.
Marvin Oshaba pulled a goal back once again for the Red Eagles when he connected home Enoch Ssebagala’s pass but with nine minutes left, the Venoms struck again, Karisa setting up Cromwell Rwothomio for Vipers to lead 4-2.
Coach Alex Isabirye’s men then extinguished any hopes of Express staging a comeback when Rwothomio completed his brace by finishing off Watambala’s pass.
“We didn’t play to our best as we failed to concentrate in the first minutes which destructed the team going forward,” Odoch told the club’s official website after the game.
“On the other hand, Vipers used up all their chances and we weren’t clinical enough to bounce back. I believe we will use the remaining games to return and be a better side.”
With only two matchdays left, all three challengers – Vipers, KCCA FC, and SC Villa – are level on 49 points but the Venoms have a better goal difference of 22, followed by KCCA at 16 and Villa at seven.
Express will next come up against Maroons at Mutesa II Stadium Wankulukuku on May 19.