Sports 2 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Vipers Face Familiar Challenge in Uganda Cup Semifinal Against Kitara
Vipers SC head to Hoima for a crucial Uganda Cup semifinal first leg against Kitara, echoing their shock exit last year when Kitara claimed the trophy. Despite leading the league, recent draws highlight vulnerabilities as they chase a domestic double. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/d%C3%A9j%C3%A0-vu-moment-in-vipers-double-pursuit-5444080
Vipers SC are set for a tense Uganda Cup semifinal first leg against Kitara in Hoima this Sunday at 4pm. The matchup revives memories of April 2024, when Kitara stunned the Venoms, eliminated them, and went on to win their first-ever Uganda Cup at Wankulukuku Stadium.
Football often repeats its dramatic scripts, and Vipers, once bitten, return sharper and more motivated. Their recent 1-1 draw with KCCA—rescued by Glodi Beyuku’s 89th-minute equalizer after Ivan Ahimbisibwe’s penalty—kept them seven points clear atop the league but exposed fluency issues and possible distractions ahead of this clash.
Chasing a second straight domestic double, Vipers boast an unbeaten record, yet cracks show. A prior 1-1 draw at Kitende and boardroom points deduction from an aborted October match underline Kitara’s knack for disruption. Expect Kitara to employ a compact, tempo-disrupting style, targeting Vipers’ transition lapses.
Key players like Karim Watambala, Usama Arafat, and Milton Karisa must elevate from glimpses to match-winning form. Coach Ivan Minnaert faces pressure to prove his side can exorcise 2024 ghosts and dominate when it counts most.
Meanwhile, Monday at Nakivubo sees URA host nine-time winners SC Villa at 7pm in the other semifinal leg.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)