Heartbreak for Kitara as Vipers steal victory in stoppage time

Uganda Cup 
Semi-finals 
First-leg
Saturday 
Vipers 1 Kitara 0
Sunday 
KCCA v Kataka 

Yunus Sentamu’s dramatic stoppage-time winner handed Vipers SC a 1-0 victory over Kitara FC in the first leg of the Uganda Cup semi-final on Saturday at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

The substitute striker found the net in the 96th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse after a long ball from goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu.

Sentamu pounced when Kitara failed to clear their lines, and his low strike bounced past goalkeeper Crispus Kusiima to give Vipers a crucial advantage heading into the return leg scheduled for 17 or 18 this month away in Hoima. 

Vipers assistant coach Fred Muhumuza hailed his team’s resilience and never-say-die attitude, which has become a hallmark in recent matches.

“It is a massive result for us, I want to thank the players for not giving up. Honestly, we thought we would have to settle for a draw and go again in the return leg, but the boys insisted we must win today and Sentamu delivered," Muhumuza said. 

 “It is true we have scored many late goals recently, and that is down to the mentality we have e instilled in the players. Plus, the depth in the squad allows us to make game-changing substitutions," he added.

Vipers had earlier squandered good chances, with captain Milton Karisa and Isaac Ogwang missing opportunities in the first half.

Substitute Gusto Mulongo also failed to convert a golden chance from close range early in the second half after a perfect cross from Pedro Sukuya.

On the other side, Kitara head coach Wasswa Bbosa lamented missed chances and a defensive error that cost them the match.

“We played well and did not deserve to lose,” said Bbosa. “But when we look back, we should have scored at least two goals in the first half. Then we gave away a cheap goal in the last minute, we have only ourselves to blame.”

Despite the loss, Bbosa remains optimistic ahead of the return leg.

“Our performance gives us encouragement,” he added. “I believe that with our fans behind us at home, we will l equalise and eventually knock them out. We want to defend this Cup.”

The match, appeared headed for a goalless draw until Sentamu’s late heroics. Kusiima, who had received a yellow card for time-wasting earlier, was left visibly disappointed after conceding the goal deep into added time, six minutes in total after the referee extended stoppage time due to his delay tactics.

Kitara had their fair share of chances. Veteran striker Patrick Kaddu’s header struck the crossbar in the ninth minute, and Jude Ssemugabi missed a tap-in with only the goalkeeper to beat in the 15th minute.

The visitors were also fortunate not to be reduced to ten men, as midfielder Frank Tumwesigye escaped a second yellow card despite persistent fouls, drawing repeated warnings from the referee.

After the game, Kitara president Deo Kasozi expressed frustration with Vipers whom he accused of poor hospitality.

“Some of our fans were blocked at the gate, while others were denied entry with their musical instruments,” Kasozi said. “It is unsporting behaviour from Vipers. They need to do better next time.”

With the cup semi-final first leg settled, both teams now turn their attention back to the Uganda Premier League. 

Table leaders Vipers will host already-relegated Mbale Heroes at Kitende on Wednesday, while Kitara, aiming for a top-four finish, will visit Express FC at the refurbished Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, today.