Vipers added their name in the folklores of the Uganda Cup after lifting the trophy at Nakivubo on Saturday after beating Onduparaka 3-1.
Pius Wanji netted a brace and Erisa Ssekisambu scored the other for the Venoms while Gadaffi Wahab scored the consolation for the Caterpillars.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga rates the two sets of players that took to the field on a wet surface at Nakivubo.
Ismail Watenga 6.5: He takes a little blame for hiding in the wall he set up for Onduparaka’s goal but was superb especially in the first half when he made a save to deny Gadaffi.
Nicholas Wadada 7.0: He was superb all through all the game. He defended with confidence and often showed his other side of the game with offensive runs.
Dan Birikwalira 6.0: The left back’s confidence was in high gear and like Wadada on the right; he was an attacking outlet on the left.
Shafik Bakaki 6.0: He had a torrid evening defending against the talented Muhammad Shaban but came out on top although he was fortunate often times.
Halid Lwaliwa 6.5: In Muhammad Shaban, he faced arguably his toughest opponent in the competition but was always as cool as a cucumber whenever the two came face to face.
Siraje Sentamu6.0: Not the best of performances from the team’s unsung hero but still foiled the Caterpillar’s moves thanks to his excellent game reading.
Deus Bukenya 6.5: One player with a big heart in the Vipers’ midfield who never gave up chasing when the team lost possession and passed the ball well when they had it.
Keziron Kizito 5.5: He had an average game by his standards as he wasn’t allowed space and time to do his usual things. Withdrawn for Hassan Kalega midway the second half.
Mike Mutyaba 5.5: He was preferred in a three man attack and often dangerous when he had possession. But looked a liability whenever the visitors won the ball.
Pius Wanji 8.0: A brace and an assist earn him the man of the match award. He was in the right place at a right time for both his goals and was always a threat thanks to his good runs off the ball.
Erisa Ssekisambu 7.5: The competition’s MVP scored a centre forward’s goal to set the tone for the Venoms. Then assisted Wanji’s second but was bitter when hauled off for Saddam Juma with a few minutes to end the game.
SUBSTITUTES
Alfred Leku 5.5: He came on for Mutyaba a few minutes into the second half and his aerial presence was felt by the towering Rashid Toha.
Hassan Kalega 6.0: He assisted the third goal that killed off the game after replacing Keziron Kizito.
Ibrahim Saddam Juma 5.0: Came on Sekisambu and helped the side hold up to possession as they were desperate to see off the game.
ONDUPARAKA
Alionzi Nafian 5.0: He should have done better with the first goal as he failed to keep proceedings at the near post. Nevertheless, he dealt well with a busy afternoon.
Alex Adriko 5.5: He had a good game in defence and often offered support going forward but it was difficult against an experienced side.
Rashid Toha 5.0: He takes full blame for the first goal as his decision making let him down. He should have played the ball out before Sekisambu took advantage of his sloppiness.
Simba Nadir 5.5: A tough afternoon against an attack minded side and often late in tackles. Nevertheless, he made a few good clearances to deny the Vipers’ forwards.
Denis Andama 6.0: He fought for every ball in the middle of the pack but always came short against the experienced trio of Kizito, Sentamu and Bukenya.
Ibrahim Faisal 5.0: He struggled to contain the mobile Vipers’ players but still had a good show on the day.
Gadafi Gadinho 6.5: He tried all he can to unlock the Vipers’ backline and was arguably the team’s best player on the day.
Toto Ajobe 5.0: A quite performance for the side’s shirt 6 as the game was played under high intensity.
Gadafi Wahab 6.5: He scored a beauty from a free kick to give Onduparaka hope of a comeback before Wanji scored a third to kill off the game.
Ceaser Olega Sahan 5.5: He often threatened but his final ball left more questions than answers.
Shaban Muhammad 6.5: He was unfortunate to miss on the score sheet after he hit the post after beating the goalie. He was a threat to the Vipers’ defence all evening and never deserved to be on the losing side.
Substitutes
Rashid Agau 6.0: His introduction increased numbers in attack for Allan Kabonge’s charges but the Venoms held on for their maiden Cup triumph.
Yamandu Tawakal n/a
