Uganda Cup: Vipers keep title defence alive with shootout win over NEC

Defending champions Vipers SC kept their title defence alive in nerve-wracking fashion, overcoming NEC FC 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a tense stalemate in the Stanbic Uganda Cup quarterfinals on Good Friday.

After-Penalties | Vipers are the first semi-finalists.#StanbicUgandaCup | #NECVIP pic.twitter.com/Ogv8ik9iYM

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) April 3, 2026

With neither side able to find a breakthrough across 120 minutes at MTN-Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, the contest was ultimately decided from the spot where captain Milton Karisa emerged the hero, calmly slotting home the decisive kick to send the Venoms into the semifinals.

Uganda Cup penalty drama

The shootout itself was filled with twists. Warren Buule’s opening miss for NEC, striking the crossbar, handed Vipers an early advantage.

Karim Watambala, Yunus Sentamu, Hillary Mukundane, and Karisa converted for the defending champions, though Enock Luyima missed a chance to seal it earlier. For NEC, Hakim Wandera, Innocent Media, and Hannington Sebwalunyo were on target, while Buule and Pius Obuya failed to convert.

Earlier, the match had produced moments of drama despite the lack of goals. Vipers looked the more threatening side in the opening exchanges, carving out chances but lacking the cutting edge.

Richard Basangwa thought he had broken the deadlock midway through the first half, only for his effort to be ruled out.

Richard Basangwa’s effort is cancelled by the assistant referee’s flag.#StanbicUgandaCup | #NECVIP pic.twitter.com/I3pnvYMloj

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) April 3, 2026

There was further concern for NEC before the break when goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza was forced off injured, leaving the field in tears and replaced by Derrick Kiggundu.

The second half saw Vipers continue to push, with Karisa coming closest in the 72nd minute after being set up by Luyima, but NEC goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo reacted quickly to deny him. Tempers also flared on the touchline, with NEC’s assistant coach Arthur Kyesimira sent off following protests towards referee Lucky Kasalirwe.

Despite late pressure from the Venoms, NEC held firm to force extra time. The additional 30 minutes offered little in terms of clear chances, though Innocent Media came close early in the second half of extra time, only to be denied twice by Kiggundu.

With the deadlock unbroken, penalties beckoned and it was Vipers who ultimately held their composure when it mattered most.

Attention now shifts to the remaining quarterfinal clash, where URA FC will host KCCA FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo tomorrow, Saturday as the race for Uganda Cup glory continues.