Defending champions Vipers SC, got their 2022/23 Uganda Premier League season to a slow start.

Vipers were held by Soltilo Bright Stars, 0-0 at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Friday.

In a dominant first half, Vipers should have headed for the break with at least a goal but were not ruthless enough to beat goalkeeper Hassan Matovu.

The best of opportunities fell to Yunus Sentamu, who headed inches wide an excellent Abdu Lumala cross in the 41st minute.

That was after he had struck wide ten minutes earlier after displaying quick feet to get past Andrew Kyambadde.

Bright Stars kick-started the second half the better team, possessing with precision, creating a decent opportunity that was headed into Alfred Mudekereza’s hands by Sam Ssenyonjo.

The hosts upped the tempo and nearly broke the deadlock in the 67th minute, but Bright Anukani missed a seater after good work by Lumala.

The latter should have made it 1-0 five minutes later, but his stinging shot was parried away by Matovu.

At the stroke of full time, Vipers nearly grabbed the winner but substitute Cromwell Rwothomio was superbly denied by both the goalkeeper and the crossbar.

In the opening minute of added minute, Lumala was incredibly denied by the post after a powerful shot.

Both teams are joint top of the log with one point apiece.

The Venoms will return to action with a home bout in the CAF Champions League against TP Mazembe on Saturday, October 8.

However, Bright Stars will play hosts to Maroons FC at the Kavumba Recreational Grounds on Tuesday, October 4.

How both teams lined up

Vipers: Alfred Mudekereza (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Disan Ggaliwango, Livingstone Mulondo, Murushid Juuko, Siraje Ssentamu, Olivier Osomba, Abdu Lumala, Milton Karisa (c), Bright Anukani, Yunus Sentamu.

Substitutions: Fabien Mutombora, Isa Mubiru, Hillary Mukundane, Najib Yiga, Karim Watambala, Abubakar Lawal, Cromwel Rwothomio

Bright Stars: Hassan Matovu (GK), Johnathan Odongo, Denis Omony, Andrew Kyambadde (c), Warren Buule, Fiat Cleophas, Alexander Mandela, Noordin Bunjo, Meddie Kyeyune, Ashraf Mulindi, Sam Ssenyonjo.

Substitutions: Derrick Were, Kaziro, Nsereko, Yasin Kasinde, Muwonge, Kiggundu, Ibrahim Kasinde