STANBIC UGANDA CUP | QF
Monday’s Result
Vipers SC 1-0 SC Villa
Vipers Sports Club secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over SC Villa on Monday night at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, to book their place in the semifinals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The win, which came courtesy of a late header from substitute Milton Karisa, was the result of a spirited, tactical battle where both teams fought tooth and nail until the final whistle.
Karisa’s Moment of Magic
The game looked destined to head into extra time until Karisa, who replaced Isaac Ogwang at the start of the second half, pounced on a rebound in the 89th minute. After midfielder Abdul-Karim Watambala’s powerful shot from distance was parried by SC Villa goalkeeper Jeans Braddy Wokorach, Karisa was in the right place at the right time to head home the rebound, sealing the win for the Venoms.
It was a fitting reward for Vipers, who had dominated large portions of the game but had found Wokorach in inspired form, thwarting several key opportunities.
Near Misses & Close Calls
Vipers had their chances before Karisa’s heroics. In the 56th minute, Yunus Sentamu was inches away from scoring, with his shot hitting the woodwork after a brilliant team move involving playmaker Allan Okello and Watambala.
Defender Nicholas Wadada also came close, his cross-like attempt rattling the goal frame before Karisa narrowly missed tapping it in from point-blank range. Watambala, too, was denied twice by Wokorach in a frantic spell.
Through to the Semis
With the 1-0 win, Vipers joined KCCA FC and Kitara FC in the Uganda Cup semifinals, with the fourth spot claimed by Kataka FC who defeated Police FC 3-0 in the post-match penalties after none of the sides found the back of the net after the entire 120 minutes.
Coach’s Thoughts on Squad Depth
Coach Fred Muhumuza was pleased with his team’s resilience, noting that the success in the Uganda Cup keeps the squad motivated as they fight on two fronts.
“You know having a big squad is relatively good. Staying in one championship, then the others would slow down as coaches and the technical team. It keeps us going, knowing that we still have the two fronts to fight for, and the boys will not slow down, knowing if I don’t get a chance in the league, I’ll get a chance in the Uganda Cup,” he explained.
“It keeps the positivity in camp and helps us prepare more for the next encounters. Though the pile of games keeps increasing, with the strength and depth of the squad, I think there’s no room to worry.”
Focus shifts to League
As Vipers look ahead to their next challenge, the focus quickly shifts back to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL). The Venoms will be on the road travelling to Luzira Prisons Ground this Thursday, April 24, at 4pm to face Maroons FC in what promises to be another intense league clash.The Vipers will be determined to build on their strong momentum from the Uganda Cup as they continue their quest for both domestic titles.