Uganda Cup:
Vipers 3-1 Onduparaka
Vipers Sports Club have joined the Uganda Cup history archives with a resounding 3-1 performance over Arua side, Onduparaka to win their maiden title at Nakivubo Stadium on Saturday evening.
After failing to register success from two previous finals, Vipers played in the 42nd final as clear favourites against a side newly promoted to the top flight league.
Forward Erisa Ssekisambu opened the scoring at the quarter hour mark for his 7th goal of the campaign (same as Onduparaka’s Muhammed Shaban).
Erisa Ssekisambu won the Most Valuable Player of the tournament award
Ssekisambu raced onto a well chipped Mike Mutyaba ball and optimally utilized the hesitation by defender Toha Rashid to clear the ball to safety before beating the goalie Ajaib at the near post for the opener.
Midfielder Pius ‘Muzeei’ Wangi doubled the advantage a minute to the half hour mark but Onduparaka’s Gadaffi Wahabu reduced the deficit with a great curling free-kick as the half time ended in favour of Vipers.
Onto resumption, either sides called for changes minutes after the second half started.
Rashid Agau replaced Ajobe Toto for Onduparaka as Mike Mutyaba paved way for the lanky Alfred Leku.
Hassan Kalega later came in for midfielder Kezironi Kizito in the second change for Vipers.
In the 58th minute, Wangi scored Vipers’ third, his second on the day – a beautiful left footed finish into the roof of the net after a goal melee that followed a poorly cleared header off Kalega’s cross from the right.
Onduparaka captain Muhammed Shaban had an attempt from distance kiss the goal post and sailed out as Onduparaka, who eliminated last year’s champions SC Villa staged a gallant fight.
Vipers’ captain, Nicholas Wadada in action during the match
Nicholas Wadada joined Rashid Toha to the list of players booked by FIFA referee, Brian Miiro Nsubuga.
Vipers had the last change with 15 minutes left on the clock when Ibrahim Saddam Juma came in for the tired but effective legs of Ssekisambu.
Ssekisambu has now won the trophy for the third year running with three different clubs (URA, SC Villa and now Vipers) while Vipers’ coach, George ‘Best’ Nsiimbe earns his second title as coach having won the tournament with Victors.
For the second time in a row, Ssekisambu won the most valuable player of the tournament accolade.
The Kitende based side joins the long list of winners since 1971.
For the achievement, they earn the ticket to represent the country at the 2016/17 CAF Confederation cup.
Team Line Ups:
Vipers XI: Isma Watenga (G.K), Nicholas Wadada (C), Dan Birikwalira, Shafik Bakaki, Halid Lwaliwa, Siraje Sentamu, Deus Bukenya, Kezironi Kizito, Pius Wangi, Mike Mutyaba, Erisa Ssekisambu
Onduparaka XI: Nafian Alionzi (G.K), Muhammed Shaban (C), Alex Adriko, Denis Andama, Rashid Toha, Simba Sadir, Ibrahim Faisal, Gadaffi Gadihno, Ajobe Toto, Gadaffi Wahab, Ceasar Sahan Olega
Awards:
Presidential Award: Lawrence Mulindwa
Top Scorers: Muhammed Shaban (7 Goals) – Onduparaka
Fair-play: Onduparaka Medical Team
MVP: Erisa Ssekisambu
Best Goalie: Isma Watenga
Best Coach: George ‘Best’ Nsiimbe
Media Personalities:
TV: Harunah Nyombi (Bukedde TV)
Print: Elvis Senono (Daily Monitor)
Online: David Isabirye (Kawowo Sports)
Radio: Abu Zikusooka (Star F.M)
