Resilient Kitara Knock Out Reigning Champions Vipers

Kitara FC Holds Nerve To Eliminate Vipers and Reach Stanbic Uganda Cup Final 📸 LMP.

Kitara Football Club players protesting against Referee George Olemu’s Decision – Credit to LMP

Kitara Football Club are through to the final of the Stanbic Uganda Cup after grinding out a 1-1 draw away to Vipers SC at St. Mary’s Stadium. The result, combined with a goalless first leg at Royal Park Butema, saw the Royals advance on the away goals rule and end Vipers’ hopes of defending their crown. For Kitara, it was a triumph built on discipline and resilience. For Vipers, it piles more pressure on a side now without a win in five matches.

Kitara struck first in the semi-final second leg and set the tone early. In the 29th minute, Gadafi Wahab found the back of the net with a well-taken finish after being set up by Jimmy Kalema. The goal gave the visitors a crucial away advantage and sent them into halftime 1-0 up on the night, 1-0 up on aggregate.

Wahab Sent Kitara FC in the lead – Credit To LMP

Vipers responded quickly after the restart. Three minutes into the second half, Yunus Ssentamu was brought down in the penalty area by Isa Lumu, and referee George Olemu pointed to the spot. Karim Watambala stepped up in the 52nd minute and calmly converted to level the game at 1-1.

When the final whistle blew, Kitara’s resilience had paid off. They held on for a 1-1 draw that sent them through 1-1 on aggregate, thanks to Wahab’s away goal in Entebbe. It marks a return to the final for the Hoima-based club, who won the competition once before and now have a chance to add a second title. Coach Waswa Bbosa’s side will now wait for the winner between SC Villa and Vipers SC in the other semi-final.

Lumu Isa X Yunus Ssentamu battling for the ball – credit to LMP.

For Vipers SC, the exit is a bitter blow. The reigning champions bow out to a one-time winner and see their double dream collapse. The result extends their winless run to five matches across all competitions, raising serious questions about form and confidence at a crucial stage of the season. The pressure is now firmly on head coach Ivan Minnaert, whose side must quickly regroup as they shift focus back to the Uganda Premier League. Vipers still lead the table, three points ahead of second-placed KCCA FC with two matches remaining, but momentum is against them.

Kitara, by contrast, head to the final with belief and momentum. Their ability to defend resolutely away from home and take their chance when it came underlined a team growing in maturity. For a club that has steadily built its reputation over recent seasons, reaching the Stanbic Uganda Cup final is another statement of intent.