Kitara and Vipers SC Cruise Into Uganda Cup Round of 16
Vipers SC secured their spot in the Round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup with a convincing 2-0 victory over Mbarara City on Thursday night at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Under the floodlights, the Venoms relied on their star duo, Allan Okello and Yunus Sentamu, to break down a determined Mbarara City side. Sentamu opened the scoring in the 38th minute, heading in a perfectly delivered cross from left-back Derrick Ndahiiro. The goal came after sustained pressure from Vipers, who dominated possession but found it difficult to breach Mbarara’s resilient defense.
The home side had an opportunity to extend their lead before halftime when Abdul Karim Watambala found himself through on goal, but he blazed his shot over the crossbar. Mbarara City’s best chance came midway through the second half when Henry Kitegenyi broke free of the defense, only to drag his shot wide in a one-on-one situation with Vipers goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu.
Mbarara’s hopes of a comeback suffered a major setback in the 78th minute when their captain, Edward Namasa, received a second yellow card for a foul on Okello, reducing the visitors to ten men. Vipers capitalized on their numerical advantage just four minutes later, as Okello sealed the victory with a stunning free-kick past goalkeeper Abdul Kimera, making it 2-0.
The result mirrors Vipers’ recent 2-0 league win over KCCA, where Okello and Sentamu were also on the scoresheet. With the Venoms leading the Uganda Premier League, they remain on course for a potential domestic double this season.
Other Uganda Cup Round of 32 Results:
Kitara FC, the defending champions, kept their title defense alive with a hard-fought 2-1 win over CATDA FC at Coffee Grounds, Bugolobi.
Goals from Patrick Kaddu and an own goal by Martin Kikambwe guided Kitara to victory despite CATDA briefly leveling the game with six minutes remaining.
Elsewhere, Kaaro Karungi edged Busia Young Stars on penalties, winning 3-1 after a goalless draw in normal time.
Confirmed Teams in the Uganda Cup Round of 16:
- Vipers SC
- Kitara FC (Defending champions)
- SC Villa
- Total FC
- Rwenzori Lions
- Kaaro Karungi
Uganda Cup Thursday Results:
- Vipers SC 2-0 Mbarara City
- Kaaro Karungi 0(3)-0(1) Busia Young Stars
- CATDA FC 1-2 Kitara FC