Danito NSUBUGA
2016 champions Vipers SC have earned their place in the semifinals of this year’s edition of the Uganda cup after beating SC Villa at Bombo Military Grounds.
Villa came into this fixture with an away goal advantage but they failed to make the most of it after producing a lacklustre performance.
It should be understood that the Jogoos were at the back of a 5 day sit down strike following the suspension of their captain Asuman Harishe and lack of wage payments.
SC Villa tactician Edward Kaziba named a defensive minded line up opting for left wing back Andrew Kiwanuka at the expense of the in form Mohammed Senoga.
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Geoffrey Wasswa and Moses Kiggundu stood in central defence in the absence of Gavin Kizito who failed to make the match day squad due to an unspecified illness that has also seen him fail to train with the Cranes.
Standing L-R Ronald Sekiganda, Moses Kigundu, Derrick Ndahiro, Geoffrey Wasswa, Andrew Kiwanuka, Joseph Nsubuga. FRONT L-R: Isaac Ogwang, Fred Agandu, Martin Senkooto, Nicholas Kabonge and Saddam Masereka.
Villa were presented with two open opportunities in the first period with the best one falling to Saddam Masereka. The fast paced winger headed wide an inviting cross delivered by Nicholas Kabonge after 10 minutes.
The other opportunity fell to captain Joseph Nsubuga with a none stop tap in to Ndahiro’s cross but Bashir Sekajja in Vipers goal reacted with a reflex action to parry the ball out for a corner kick.
Masereka and Villa were made to pay for their profligacy in the 28th minute when Bobosi Byaruhanga perfectly struck a mid range free kick that Derrick Ndahiro failed to deal with after it had also beaten Martin Senkooto.
Referee Ronald Madanda called the game for a compulsory break with Vipers leading 2-1 on aggregate.
Returning for the second period, Villa’s Edward Kaziba rung two changes in a bid to revive their chances of progression.
Diminutive winger Mohammed Nsereko came on Andrew Kiwanuka whereas Saddam Masereka made way for Mohammed Senoga.
As they intensified the search for a leveller, a huge blow befell them in the 61st minute when the highly impressive Sekiganda aggressively challenged Bobosi Byaruhanga to call for second yellow card.
Sekiganda had gotten into the referee’s book in the 16th minute of first period for a rough challenge on the same Vipers player.
Standing L-R: Ceaser Manzoki, Siraje Sentamu, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Livingston Mulondo,Yunus Sentamu, Halid Lwaliwa FRONT L-R: Ibrahim Orit, Karim Watambala, Bashir Sekajja, Aziz Kayondo and Paul Willa.
Vipers’ Paul Kiwanuka made a double substitution by introducing Milton Karisa and Richard Basangwa for Yunus Sentamu and Karim Watambala
Karisa’s substitution immediately paid dividends 5 minutes later when he volleyed home Richard Basangwa’s cross.
His shot initially hit the top bar and bounced back before the assistant referee signalled for goal converted.
Villa players tried to protest the decision which forced Ronald Madanda to pause the game for close to 6 minutes.
They later resolved to return to the field of play and saw off the remaining minutes of the match.
Vipers in the end revived their 3rd win over SC Villa out of the 4 meetings they have had thus term ..
Villa also recorded their 3rd penalty from their 4 meetings with Vipers this ter. Joseph Nsubuga and Gavin Kizito were the other Villa players to see red against Vipers this term.
