Uganda Cup Semi-Finals – Return Leg
Friday (Vipers SC vs Kitara FC (Agg: 0-0)
Saturday (SC Villa vs URA FC (Agg: 2-0)
Kampala, Uganda: The battle for a place in the 2026 Stanbic Uganda Cup final reaches a decisive stage this weekend as four clubs fight for survival in the semi-final second legs.
League leaders Vipers SC host defending champions Kitara FC on Friday evening at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, with the tie finely poised after a goalless first leg in Butema.
Despite failing to score at home, Kitara produced the better opportunities in the opening encounter but were repeatedly denied by Vipers goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu, whose outstanding saves kept the Venoms alive.
The first leg was also marked by controversy after Vipers captain Milton Karisa suffered an injury following a dangerous challenge from Jasper Aheebwa, who escaped with only a caution despite strong appeals for a red card.
Vipers head into the return leg under pressure after recent Uganda Premier League draws against URA FC and Police FC reduced their lead at the top of the table to just three points.
For coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert, failure to reach the Uganda Cup final would represent a major setback as the club continues chasing a domestic double.
The Venoms could, however, be without key players, with Karisa and Enock Luyima doubtful through injury while midfielder Taddeo Lwanga misses out through suspension.
Kitara coach George Lutalo appears to have fully shifted focus to the cup competition after heavily rotating his squad during the recent league defeat against Express FC.
Several key players including Muhammad Shaban, Frank Tumwesigye, Murushid Jjuuko, Henry Musisi and George Ssenkaaba were rested, underlining the importance attached to Friday’s showdown.
The Royals also receive a timely boost with Meddie Kibirige returning from suspension.
Meanwhile, record champions SC Villa will carry a comfortable 2-0 aggregate lead into Saturday’s second leg against URA FC.
Villa seized control of the tie in the first leg at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, where Najib Yiga opened the scoring after a well-worked attacking move involving Hassan Mubiru and Patrick Kakande.
Late pressure from substitute Andrew Otim then forced URA defender Moses Okabo into an own goal, handing Villa a strong advantage ahead of the return leg.
Although URA created several chances during the opening stages of the first meeting, poor finishing proved costly as Villa punished them clinically.
The Tax Collectors now face a daunting task and must score at least three unanswered goals to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes alive.
The winners from both ties will advance to the 2026 Stanbic Uganda Cup final as the race for domestic silverware enters its decisive phase.
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