Vipers Sports Club for the third time this season progressed to the next level of the Stanbic Uganda Cup on penalties after ejecting Wakiso Giants.
In the Wakiso derby played on Tuesday at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium, the Venoms managed to seal a slot into the quarterfinals.
Normal time ended in a one-all draw but Vipers SC were perfect in the penalty shootout to progress 4-3.
It should be noted that the Kitende based side had eliminated Bujumbara United and Jinja North United at the round of 64 and 32 respectively on penalties.
Tuesday’s game was the start of Alex Isabirye’s tenure who was unveiled on Sunday after resigning at BUL FC. He had replaced Beto Binachi who was sacked last week.
Isabirye made changes to the team and indeed looked fresh. However, it was the home side that took the lead through Shariph Kimbowa two minutes after recess.
The visitors would go on to find the equalizer in the 79th minute thanks to Ashiraf Mandela’s neat finish after Martin Kizza’s cutback found him unmarked in the area.
This was the first goal for Vipers SC this year. Actually the Venoms had gone seven games without finding the back of the net.
In the shootout, Vipers were perfect with Bright Anukani, Martin Kizza, Abdu Lawal and Hillary Mukundane all converting their takes.
On the other hand, George Kaddu, Rahmat Ssenfuka and Moses Aliro were perfect from 12 yards but Norman Ogik’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Fabian Mutombora while Tom Masiko’s strike hit the crossbar.
Vipers SC and Soltilo Bright Stars FC who won 4-0 against Kiyinda Boys become the first teams to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Action continues on Wednesday with two fixtures. Express FC will be at home to Paidha Black Angels while holders BUL FC visit Onduparaka FC in Arua.