Kitara have eliminated Stanbic Uganda Cup holders Vipers to reach their first ever semifinal in the competition.
The Venoms couldn’t make it past the quarter-final stage, suffering a 5-4 loss in the post match penalty shootout to the Royals following a 2-2 draw (AET) at Masindi stadium.
Karim Watambala failed to convert his kick in shootouts as the Royals progressed in front of a huge home crowd.
Early on in the second half, Sentamu broke the deadlock, bundling in off Allan Okello’s cross to put Vipers ahead at Masindi Stadium.
After slightly over an hour played, Jude Semugabi was fouled in the danger area and a penalty was awarded to Kitara.
Paul Mucureezi stepped up to take the penalty, and he scored from the spot to level matters in 69th minute, and that was it until the end of the normal 90 minutes that ended 1-1.
Allan Okello was brought down in the opponent’s box towards the end of the first half of the extra 30 minutes, and the Venoms were awarded a penalty. Bright Anukani took it, and scored to restore Vipers’ lead.
With eight minutes left to play for in extra time, Mucureezi scored from the spot again to level matters for Kitara, after a penalty was awarded to the hosts for a handball in the box.
After extra time, the game ended 2-2, and the two teams headed for a post match shoot-out to decide the winner of the tie.
In the shootout, Living Kabon, Paddy Muhumuza, Dudu Ramadhan, Dennis Omedi and Paul Mucureezi all scored for Kitara.
Anukani, Patrick Mbowa, Rogers Torach and Hillary Mukundane converted for Vipers, while Karim Watambala missed his.
Kitara now join Pajule Lions, BUL and NEC to the semifinals of the 50th edition of the oldest national football tournament in the country.
Pajule Lions beat fellow regional league side Pakwach Young Stars 1-0, NEC beat Police 2-0, and BUL defeated KCCA 6-5 in post match spot kicks following a one-all draw after full-time and extra time.
Kitara, who are also leading the league table with 44 points have just increased their chances to win silverware this season.
Meanwhile, Vipers’ only chance to win any title this season still lies in the league, where they’re second (to Kitara) on the 16-team table with 42 points.
How Both Teams Lined Up:
Kitara XI; Jamil Kiyimba (GK), Frank Tumwesigye, Dudu Ramadhan, Jasper Aheebwa, Jude Ssemugabi, Living Kabon, Paul Mucureezi, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Paddy Muhumuza, Donato Okello, Denis Omedi
Vipers XI; Jack Komakech (GK), Milton Karisa (C), Allan Okello, Yunus Ssentamu, Hillary Mukundane, Patrick Mbowa, Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Moses Waiswa, Frank Katongole, Rogers Torach
