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Uganda Cup: Kitara 2 (5) Vipers 2 (4)

Paul Mucureezi scored three times from the penalty spot, twice in regular time and the decisive kick in the penalty shoot-out for Kitara to knock holders Vipers out of the Uganda Cup on Sunday.

In the quarter final played at Masindi Stadium, Vipers broke the deadlock through Yunus Sentamu in the 51st minute assisted by Allan Okello to silence the vocal home fans.

Vipers then took control of proceedings until the 65th minute when Kitara forward Jude Ssemugabi was fouled in the box and referee Ali Sabilla pointed to the spot. 

Mucureezi, a former Vipers' player stepped up and levelled for Kitara two minutes later as Masindi Stadium erupted in joy. 

Goal scoring opportunities were created at both ends but the two goalkeepers Jack Komakech for Vipers and Jamil Kiyemba of Kitara were equal to every effort fired at them.

There was nothing to separate the two sides and the match went into extra time which turned out to be a dramatic one as both teams were awarded penalties.

Okello was brought down in the box by Jasper Aheebwa towards the end of the first half of extra time and substitute Bright Anukani excellently dispatched the penalty to put Vipers in the lead again.

With eight minutes left to play in the second half of extra time, Hillary Mukundane handled the ball as he attempted to clear Living Kabon's corner kick. 

The referee again pointed to the spot and Mucureezi dragged Kitara back into the match with another well-taken penalty. 

With nothing to separate the two sides at end of extra time, a penalty shootout ensued, and Vipers' Abdul Watambala saw his kick saved by Kiyemba before Nucureezi capped off a remarkable personal performance to score and send Kitara to semi-finals. 

Kitara's other penalties were successfully scored by Kabon, Denis Omedi, Paddy Muhumuza, and Ramadan Dudu. 

Bright Anukani, Patrick Mboowa, Hillary Mukundane and Rogers Torach scored for Vipers.

The Uganda Cup semifinal line-up is now complete with Kitara, NEC, BUL, and Pujule Lions in the hat. 

Kitara and Vipers will meet again on Friday at the same ground, but this time in the Uganda Premier League. 

Kitara is top of the table with 44 points while Vipers are in third place with 42 points.