Vipers edge NEC on penalties to reach Uganda Cup semis

Stanbic Uganda Cup 

Quarterfinal 

Friday 
NEC 0 (3) Vipers 0 (4)

Saturday, 3pm
URA v KCCA 

Sunday, 3pm
Kitara v Express 

Monday, 3pm
Happy Boys v SC Villa 

Stanbic Uganda Cup holders Vipers SC became the first team to secure a place in the semifinals after edging NEC FC 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Good Friday at the Philip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.

 
The quarterfinal contest had ended goalless after both normal time and extra time, forcing the tie to be decided from the spot in a tense shootout.

NEC faltered when it mattered most. Warren Buule struck the crossbar, while Pius Obuya saw his effort saved by Vipers’ substitute goalkeeper Dennis Kiggundu.

However, goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, Innocent Media, and Hakim Wandera converted their penalties to keep NEC in the contest.

Vipers, however, proved more composed under pressure. Captain Milton Karisa, Abdulkarim Watambala, Yunus Sentamu, and Hillary Mukundane all converted their spot-kicks with confidence.

Enock Luyima was the only Vipers player to miss, but it was not enough to deny the holders a place in the last four.

Earlier, both sides had matched each other throughout regulation and extra time in a tightly contested affair. Chances were created at both ends, but goalkeepers stood firm. Vipers’ Alfred Mudekereza delivered a series of fine saves before being forced off with an injury in the second half, paving the way for Kiggundu, who would later emerge as the hero in the shootout.

At the other end, Ssebwalunyo was equally impressive, producing crucial saves to deny Vipers, who looked the more threatening side for large spells of the game.

NEC thought they had snatched a late winner when Richard Basangwa headed home from a cross, but celebrations were cut short after the goal was ruled out for offside.

Quarterfinal action continues through the Easter weekend. On Saturday, 10-time winners KCCA FC face URA FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

On Easter Sunday, fellow 10-time champions Express take on Kitara at Royals Park Stadium in Butema, Hoima City.

The last quarterfinal tie will be played on Easter Monday, with Happy Boys FC hosting Uganda Premier League giants SC Villa at Kagaba playgrounds in Kasanda District.