Gadaffi Kacancu was on target as Mbarara City secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Vipers in the Uganda Premier League encounter at Rwamwanja Stadium.

The visitors had a chance to take the lead through Gusto Mulongo but the forward’s effort sailed narrowly wide of the target after a deflection.

Later on, Vipers’ struggled to break down Mbarara City’s low block this switching to playing long balls to search for wingers.

In the 30th minute, Kacancu broke the deadlock after getting on the end of Rogers Mugisha’s delivery to light up the home crowd.

Three minutes later, Vipers got a chance to level matters after Farouk Miya picked Usama Arafat but the forward’s effort was blocked.

Coming from the break, Ian Amanya tested Loyce Mbaba from distance with a long-range effort but the custodian made a big save.

In the 50th minute, Mbarara City goalkeeper Bashir Ssekagya denied Mulongo from close range to keep the hosts in the lead.

Midway through the second stanza, Mbarara City were reduced to 10 men after Migisha was shown a second booking, but Vipers still failed to break the lines.

Vipers have now lost two games in seven games. Coach John Ayala Luyinda’s era starts with a loss, and they will be taking on URA at Nakivubo in the next game.

After the loss, Vipers lie seventh with 11 points while Mbarara City lie 12th with eight points after seven games in the ongoing campaign.