David GOMBE
Reigning Stanbic Uganda Cup champions Vipers SC have progressed to the semifinals of the 52nd edition of the competition following their shootout victory over NEC FC.
The Venoms needed a 4-3 shootout win after a goalless stalemate in normal time and extra-time in the contest that was played at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Good Friday.
Abdul Karim Watambala, Yunus Sentamu, Hillary Mukundane and Milton Karisa scored for the holders in the tense shootout while Enock Luyima had his kick saved by NEC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo.
For NEC, Warren Buule and Pius Obuya failed to score from 12 yards while Hakim Wandera, Ronald Innocent Media and Ssebwalunyo scored the three penalties for the 2024 competition runners up.
Vipers remain who won a Cup double last season remain on course for a second consecutive double triumph.
Meanwhile, URA FC will on Saturday host KCCA FC in the other quarterfinal at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo.
On Easter Sunday, Kitara FC who won the competition in 2024 will take on joint record champions Express FC at Royals Park in Butema.
Nine time winners SC Villa will climax the quarterfinal stage with their visit to this year’s dark horses Happy Boyz Kagaba who are the only non-topflight side still in the competition.
