Vipers SC sealed their place in the round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Mbarara City on Thursday night at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Under the floodlights, the Venoms once again relied on their star duo, Allan Okello and Yunus Sentamu, to guide them past a determined Mbarara side.
Sentamu opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a precise header, converting a perfectly weighted cross from left-back Derrick Ndahiiro.
The goal broke the deadlock after a spirited defensive effort from Mbarara City, who struggled to contain Vipers’ relentless pressure.
Vipers had a chance to double their lead before halftime when Abdul Karim Watambala found himself through on goal, but he fired over the bar, leaving the score at 1-0 heading into the break.
Mbarara City’s best chance came midway through the second half when striker Henry Kitegenyi beat the offside trap and faced goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu one-on-one, but he dragged his shot wide, missing a golden opportunity to equalise.
The visitors’ hopes were further dashed in the 78th minute when their captain, Edward Namasa, was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Okello.
The numerical advantage allowed Vipers to push forward, and Okello made Mbarara pay just four minutes later.
The Vipers captain curled a sublime free kick from a tight angle past goalkeeper Abdul Kimera to double the lead and seal the win.
The victory mirrors Vipers’ recent 2-0 league triumph over KCCA, where both Okello and Sentamu also found the back of the net.
With the Venoms leading the Uganda Premier League standings, they remain firmly on course for their second domestic double.
Vipers now join defending champions Kitara, SC Villa, Rwenzori Lions, Kaaro Karungi and Total in the last 16 of the 51st edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Stanbic Uganda Cup Thursday Results:
- Vipers 2-0 Mbarara City
- Kaaro Karungi 0(3)-0(1) Busia Young Stars
- CATDA FC 1-2 Kitara
