Royals Park Stadium, Butema — Defending StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have booked their place in the 2025 Stanbic Uganda Cup final after a commanding 2-0 aggregate victory over Kitara FC. The Venoms sealed the deal with a clinical 1-0 away win in the second leg on Friday, courtesy of a quickfire strike from Karim Watambala just seconds into the second half.
In a fiercely contested semi-final second leg, Vipers showcased their title-winning pedigree with a disciplined performance, frustrating the Royals in front of their home fans. The breakthrough came in the 46th minute when Abubakali Walusimbi split Kitara’s defense with a brilliant assist that found Watambala, who made no mistake. This goal, combined with Yunus Sentamu’s strike in the first leg, proved decisive.
Despite a spirited effort from Kitara, including relentless pressure and a flurry of late chances from Kaddu Patrick and Gusto Mulongo, they failed to breach the rock-solid Vipers defense. Heroics from goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu, coupled with key interventions by Hilary Mukundane, Livingstone Mulondo, and Rogers Torach, ensured the Venoms kept a clean sheet.
Vipers will now turn their focus to the Stanbic Uganda Cup final set for May 31, 2025, at Kadiba Stadium in Mengo, Kampala. They await the outcome of the second semi-final between KCCA FC and Mbale Heroes, with the former holding a strong 3-0 first-leg advantage. A potential clash between Vipers and KCCA would set up a blockbuster finale between Uganda’s football heavyweights.
Coach Fred Muhumuza, whose calm tactical management has guided the team through a demanding cup run, lauded the squad’s focus and resilience. “We take every game seriously. This victory reflects the spirit of our team and the support from our fans. We’re ready for the final,” he noted. With a domestic double now within touching distance, the Venoms are determined to leave a lasting mark on this 51st edition of the prestigious competition.
