By John Baptist Opua
Vipers SC began their Stanbic Uganda Cup title defence with a 1 to 0 win over Northern Gateway SC on February 5, 2026, advancing from the Round of 64 after a tight contest in Lira.
The holders needed a first half strike from Chukwuma Odili to edge past the Northern Regional League side at the Uganda Technical College Lira playground.
The decisive moment came in the 43rd minute when Odili made a solo run down the left, beat several defenders and finished calmly to secure the result. Northern Gateway, who have reached this stage three straight seasons, pushed for an upset but could not find a way through a disciplined Vipers back line.
Head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert praised the opposition’s effort after the match, saying, “The side almost wanted to die on the pitch, with players fighting until the last minute.” He added that the game offered useful lessons ahead of Vipers’ Uganda Premier League fixture against BUL on February 13.
Captain Milton Karisa also pointed to the difficult playing surface but backed the team to stay strong in their bid to retain the trophy. Vipers now await the next round draw to learn their upcoming opponent.
Elsewhere in the Round of 64, Mbarara City beat Busia Youngstars 2 to 1, KCCA saw off St George Masindi 2 to 0, and BUL delivered the biggest win with a 7 to 0 victory over Agape United. UPDF edged Nsambya SC 2 to 1, Express advanced after a 7 to 6 penalty shootout win over Pakwach Youngstars, while Six O’Clock FC defeated Mbale Heroes 1 to 0.
