Saturday 20th May, 2023
Stanbic Uganda Cup
Semi Finals First Leg
Vipers 4-0 Bright Stars
Bright Anukani scored a spectacular goal as Vipers picked a commanding 4-0 win over Bright Stars in a semi final first leg of the Uganda Cup at Kitende.
Anukani, collected from his own half to a send a long range effort that beat an off the line goalkeeper Hassan Matovu for the game’s third and his second on the day.
Other goals came from Yunus Sentamu and a late goal from Karim Watambala (penalty) as Vipers picked a deserved win.
It was a brilliant performance from Vipers, who dorminated from the word go and they put one leg in the finals that will be held in Lira this year.
And the game was all but done in the first half with the hosts leading by three goals.
The Venoms got their first in the 10th minute through Anukani, who scored from the spot after Milton Karisa was brought down in the area by Warren Buule.
Seven minutes later, Sentamu doubled his side’s lead, tapping in from a well delivered pass from Karisa.
And the best moment came later in the 27th minute from Anukani.
He collected the ball before crossing the centre line, showed composure to send a long range effort that beat Matovu, to send the home crowd into wild celebrations.
At halftime, the Stars also had their chances to score but were wasteful.
Emmanuel Loki saw his effort saved for a corner, Kasinde Ibrahim and Sam Ssenyonjo all came close.
In the second half, it was again Vipers who had the best chances to add on their tally.
Abubaker Lawal sent his effort wide after a delivery from Sentamu before Watambala sent his free kick wide.
Bright Stars on the other hand tried to stage a come back but looked blunt on many occasions in the final third.
Loki and Kasinde tried their best but were kept out by the Vipers backline commanded by an outstanding Hillary Mukundane.
And later in added time, Watambala put the icing on the cake with the fourth goal, scoring from the spot after Cromwell Rwothomio was fouled in the area by Buule.
Victory ensured that Vipers are now closer to the a third consecutive final.
For Bright Stars, it was a bad day for them and they now have a long way to go in the return leg at Kavumba.
Team Lineups
Vipers – Fabien Mutombora GK, Rogers Torach, Isa Mubiru, Ashraf Mandela, Hillary Mukundane Siraje Sentamu, Karim Abdul Watambala, Milton Karisa ©, Bright Anukani, Abubaker Lawal, Yunus Junior Sentamu
Bright Stars – Hassan Matovu Go, Jonathan Odongo, Omony Denis kaka, Etou Godown, Warren Buule, Mandera Alex, Fiat Cleophas ©, Noordin Bunjo, Ibrahim Kasinde, Loki Emmanuel, Samuel Ssenyonjo
