KCCA FC defenders were applauded by head coach Morley Byekwaso for their performance in a narrow 1-0 win over Vipers SC in Uganda Premier League on Saturday at Lugogo.

The hosts scored as early as the fifth minute through Rogers Mato’s diving header off Allan Okello’s delivery.

“All the players showed good character, especially the defenders unlike in the first two games where they were reluctant and careless,” Byekwaso said during his post-match press conference.

“We cautioned that complacency and the players knew how much it cost the team and today the defenders were on top of their game.”

Byekwaso added: “Having defenders confident and coordinating helped the whole team and that is why we were as well better off going forward.”

“Given the kind of opponent we have defeated, I must say this is a vital win in several aspects and we shall continue improving to compete effectively.”

It was not only a victory over the defending champions, the Kasasiro Boys kept their first clean sheet of the season.

KCCA had shipped in five goals from two games after their 3-2 win over Wakiso Giants they also lost 3-1 to Arua Hill SC in their second game.

The 13-time UPL champions now lie fourth on the 15-team UPL log with six points from three game ahead of their short trip to Luzira to take on Maroons FC on Friday, October 29.