VIDEO: Controversial Penalty Not Enough as Kitara Eliminate Vipers to Reach Uganda Cup Final

Friday Result
Vipers SC 1-1 Kitara FC

———————————————————————————————

Kitara FC held their nerves to eliminate Vipers SC from the Stanbic Uganda Cup and reach the final despite conceding a controversial second-half penalty on Friday evening at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

The Royals secured a 1-1 draw in the return leg of the semi-final to progress to the final on the away goals rule after the first leg in Hoima had ended goalless.

Knowing that a scoring draw would be enough to send them through, Kitara FC started confidently and took the lead in the 29th minute.

Jimmy Kalema headed the ball into the path of Gaddafi Wahab inside the box, and the midfielder calmly fired a first-time left-footed finish into the far bottom corner to silence the home crowd.

Kitara defended resolutely for the remainder of the first half as Vipers headed into the break needing a victory to stay alive in the competition.

In the second half, Vipers SC were awarded a penalty after referee George Olemu ruled that defender Lumu had fouled Yunus Sentamu inside the area.

However, television replays appeared to show no contact, with many questioning the referee’s decision. Despite the controversy, the penalty stood.

Karim Watambala stepped up and converted from the spot to level matters for Vipers SC, although goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige got fingertips to the ball.

Vipers pushed for a winning goal late in the game, with youngster Abubakar Walusimbi coming closest when his powerful long-range effort narrowly struck the crossbar and went out.

As frustration grew among the home supporters, Vipers SC president Dr Lawrence Mulindwa was later seen leaving his seat before the final whistle, reflecting the disappointment surrounding the team’s performance.

Kitara remained composed defensively until the final whistle as the match ended 1-1, sending the Royals to the Uganda Cup final on the away goals rule.

The result keeps Kitara’s hopes of winning silverware this season alive, while Vipers SC’s dream of retaining a domestic double comes to an end.

The Venoms will now turn their attention to the Uganda Premier League, where victory against Maroons FC in their next match could mathematically secure the league title.

Kitara FC will face either SC Villa or URA FC in the final. SC Villa carry a 2-0 advantage into Saturday’s decisive second leg against URA FC.