Defending champions Vipers SC eliminated NEC FC in the quarterfinals of the 52nd edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup after a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout on Friday.
The match, played under bright conditions at MTN-Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, ended goalless in both normal time and extra time, forcing the contest into penalties.
Captain Milton Karisa converted the decisive spot-kick to keep Vipers’ hopes of retaining the trophy alive.
Karim Watambala, Yunus Sentamu, Hillary Mukundane, and Milton Karisa scored for Vipers, while Enock Luyima missed. For NEC, Hakim Wandera, Innocent Media, and Hannington Sebwalunyo converted their penalties, while Warren Buule and Pius Obuya failed to find the net.
How it unfolded
Vipers created several chances in the first half but failed to break the deadlock as both sides went into the break level.
In the 60th minute, Richard Basangwa found the back of the net, but his celebrations were cut short as the goal was disallowed.
In the same sequence, goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza, who had been struggling with an injury, was forced off the pitch in tears and replaced by Derrick Kiggundu.
In the 72nd minute, Enock Luyima set up Milton Karisa, who attempted to round goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo, but the NEC shot-stopper reacted well to deny him a clear scoring opportunity.
NEC’s second assistant coach, Arthur Kyesimira, was shown a red card by referee Lucky Kasalirwe after protesting against the officiating.
Despite late pressure from Vipers, including three attacking moves in added time, NEC held firm to push the game into extra time.
The first half of extra time produced few clear chances from either side. At the start of the second period, NEC came close to scoring, but Innocent Media was twice denied by goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu.
In the penalty shootout, Warren Buule struck the crossbar with NEC’s opening kick. Karim Watambala converted Vipers’ first penalty after a retake, following an initial double touch.
Pius Obuya then saw his effort saved by Kiggundu, while Yunus Sentamu calmly converted for Vipers. Hakim Wandera scored for NEC, and Hillary Mukundane responded for Vipers.
Innocent Media kept NEC in the contest with a successful kick, but Enock Luyima missed the chance to seal victory for Vipers.
Hannington Sebwalunyo converted for NEC, setting up a tense finale. However, Milton Karisa stepped up and confidently dispatched the decisive penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to secure Vipers’ place in the semifinals.
The Stanbic Uganda Cup quarterfinals continue on Saturday, with URA FC set to host KCCA FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
