Vipers SC snatched a dramatic last-gasp win over Kitara FC on Saturday night, securing a crucial 1-0 advantage in the first leg of the Stanbic Uganda Cup semi-finals at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
Super-sub Yunus Sentamu turned hero deep into stoppage time, tucking the ball beyond Kitara shot-stopper Chrispus Kusiima after a scramble in the box left the visitors’ defense in disarray.
The forward had replaced Pedro Sukuya earlier in the second half and made the most of his opportunity with a composed finish that lit up the stadium.
The cagey affair saw both sides locked in a tactical chess match, with few clear sights at goal.
Vipers nearly broke through via Milton Karisa and Allan Okello, but Kitara’s backline stood firm.
On the opposite end, Patrick Kaddu and Jude Ssemugabi probed for openings but couldn’t find a way past Fabien Mutombora.
After halftime, the hosts began to dictate the tempo, pinning Kitara back and probing for the opener.
Gusto Mulongo had a golden chance to tilt the game in Vipers’ favor after a fine pass from Sukuya, but his effort sailed wide.
Kitara remained organized and looked set to earn a valuable away draw until Sentamu’s late intervention.
The narrow win gives Vipers a slender but significant lead heading into the decisive return fixture set for May 17th in Hoima.
With eyes still on clinching a domestic double, the Venoms will carry confidence into the second leg, while Kitara must regroup and find answers at home.
