Vipers SC took a giant leap toward winning the Stanbic Uganda Cup title with a nail-biting 1-0 victory over Kitara FC at a pulsating St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday evening. The semi-final first leg clash was decided by a stoppage-time winner from substitute Yunus Sentamu, sending the home fans into raptures and keeping the Venoms’ dream of back-to-back Cup glory alive.
The opening half was a cagey affair, with both sides showing flashes of intent but lacking a decisive final touch. Vipers gradually took control of possession, with Allan Okello and Karim Watambala dictating play in midfield. However, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Milton Karisa received a yellow card for a reckless foul on Kitara’s Lazaro Bwambale in the 38th minute, and moments before the break, he tested Kitara’s goalkeeper Chrispas Kusiima with a low effort at the near post.
The second half saw Vipers step up the tempo, introducing Gusto Mulongo and later Yunus Sentamu to inject fresh energy. Pedro Sukuya came agonizingly close early on, curling a shot just wide of the far post. Despite their dominance, Kitara’s deep defensive block proved resilient, frustrating the home side with disciplined organization and timely interceptions.
Tensions flared in the 69th minute when Hilary Mukundane and Watambala were both booked in a brief melee, underlining the stakes at play. But it was in the dying moments of the match—deep into added time—when Sentamu, who had only come on in the 74th minute, latched onto a loose ball and rifled in a deflected half-volley past the stranded Kusiima, sealing a dramatic and hard-fought win for the hosts.
With the first leg in the bag, Vipers SC carry a slim but crucial advantage into the return fixture. Meanwhile, attention now turns to Sunday’s semi-final clash as KCCA FC, Uganda Premier League representatives, welcome FUFA Big League side Kataka FC. The 51st edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup promises more fireworks as the race for silverware intensifies.
Photo:Vipers Media
