Wednesday, May 11
Mbarara City 1-2 Vipers SC.
Stanbic Uganda Cup holders Vipers SC beat Mbarara City 2-1 to take a slim advantage in the first leg semifinal played at Kakyeka.
Paul Mucureezi and Milton Karisa scored in the first half to hand Viper first leg advantage.
Seiri Arigumaho scored the only goal for Ankole Lions who were recently relegated to Big League.
The hosts looked the more likely side to open up scoring having enjoyed the highest possession and more chances but they were not sharp enough.
Henry Kitegenyi had the first clear chance to push hosts in the lead but his effort went few inches over the bar before his free kick followed suit.
Kitegenyi again came close to scoring in 20th minute but his effort was blocked by Paul Willa before Halid Lwalira made another timely clearance in 30th minute to deny his other effort.
Five minutes to half time, Mucureezi broke the deadlock with a beauty at the edge of the box to hand Visitors the lead.
Just before halftime Karisa doubled the lead from the rebound following Mucureezi initial effort spilled by goalkeeper Ssekebba.
Five minutes into second stanza, Ronald Otti made a brilliant goal clearance to deny Mucureezi after the winger had beaten Ssekebba.
Two minutes later Solomon Okwalinga saw his effort cleared off the line by Livingstone Mulondo.
Paul Mucureezi would have left Mbarara with a brace but he missed a seater with a goalkeeper to beat.
With Eight minutes to play, substitute Seiri pulled one back when he tapped in Sadat Nsubuga cross to give hosts hope.
Hosts applied more pressure, trying to push for an equaliser but Vipers proved too resilient to take first leg advantage.
Second leg is to played at Kitende next Wednesday.
Lineups used
Mbarara – Mohammed Ssekebba, Steven Othieno, Jasper Aheebwa, Soulymane Bamba, Ramadhan Dudu, Ronald Otti, Gadaffi Kacancu, Solomon Okwalinga, Thomas Kakaire, Jude Ssemugabi, Henry Kitegenyi.
Subs
Elungat, Bebe, Adriko, Najib, Sadat, Seiri, Otude.
Viper- Kiggundu, Paul Willa, Mulondo, Halid Lwalira, Disan Galiwango, Siraje Ssentamu, Milton Karisa, Babosi Byaluhanga, Paul Mucureezi, Yunus Ssentamu, Ceaser Manzoki.
Subs
Mugolofa, Ssali, Anukani, Kayiwa, Watambala, Mwemezi, Sserunkuuma
