Yunus Sentamu produced a moment of magic in stoppage time to hand Vipers SC a crucial 1-0 victory over defending champions Kitara FC in the first leg of the 2025 Stanbic Uganda Cup semi-finals on Saturday at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
In a tightly contested encounter, it took a spectacular 95th-minute bicycle kick from Sentamu to break the deadlock and give the hosts a slender advantage heading into the return leg.
The forward rose to the occasion in dramatic fashion, meeting a loose ball inside the area and acrobatically guiding it to the back of the net.
The first half was marked by a cagey midfield battle, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. Kitara looked organized at the back, while Vipers probed patiently without finding the breakthrough.
Vipers made changes early in the second half, bringing on Ibrahim Ogwang for George Mulongo in the 46th minute and later introducing fresh legs in midfield and attack.
Kitara responded with tactical substitutions of their own, notably bringing on Joseph Aheebwa and Ronald Mugisha in the 77th minute to inject pace.
The match appeared to be heading for a goalless draw until Sentamu’s stunning finish deep into stoppage time settled the tie in Vipers’ favour. It was a blow for Kitara, who had defended resolutely for 90 minutes and looked set to take a valuable draw into the second leg.
The return leg will be played on May 17 in Hoima, where Kitara will look to overturn the deficit and keep their title defense alive.
Vipers, meanwhile, will be aiming to preserve their lead and secure a place in the final, set to be hosted at the newly completed Kadiba Stadium in Kampala.
