Bujumbura 0 (1) (4) 0 Vipers Busei 3 (5) (6) 3 Jinja North Wednesday Kireka v SC Villa Apuutun v Police FC
KAMPALA – Vipers SC struggled in the bid to secure a slot into the next round of the Stanbic Uganda Cup competition after Hoima based Bujumbura United stretched their effort beyond normal play.
The two-time holders and Wakiso based Premier League side –threatened their opponents – as Brazilian coach Beto Bianchi – taking charge of his first game –fielded a star-studded team in Murushid Juuko, Abdu Lumala, Ibrahim Oriti, Bright Anukani, Ashraf Mandela and Fabien Mutombola amongst others but couldn’t penetrate through the Kitara regional side’s defence as normal time ended 0-0.
When the day’s referee called for penalties to decide the winner – Anukani, Mandela, Disan Galiwango and Ivorian import Ahmed Desire Tety converted for the Venoms to squeeze through 4-1 as the Kibanjwa Primary School playground experienced a relatively silent moment.
The other game played at the Iganga Ssaza grounds on the same day; Fufa Big League side -Jinja North United FC – twice came from behind to force a penalty-shootout that ensured their progress into the next round over hosts -Busei FC.
Normal play ended 3-3 before Jinja North could win 6-5 in the penalty shootout – which segment was characterised by fan violence – leading to a prolonged delay that lasted over 15 minutes.
Vipers – last year’s finalists join holders BUL FC, Ndejje University, Pajule Lions, Kitara FC, Admin FC, Blue Stars, Junior Eagles, Jinja North in the round of 32.
Action in the same competition – the second prestigious in Uganda continues this Wednesday with two fixtures on the card – with SC Villa travelling to Bweyogerere to face Kireka United FC. Police FC play Apuutun FC away in Soroti.