Uganda Cup: Super sub Yunus Sentamu strikes late to earn Vipers slim first-leg advantage

Vipers SC edged Kitara FC 1-0 in a tense Stanbic Uganda Cup semi-final first leg at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday night, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time goal from substitute Yunus Sentamu.

With the match seemingly headed for a goalless draw, Sentamu who had come on for Pedro Sukuya in the second half pounced on a defensive lapse in the box to fire past Kitara goalkeeper Chrispus Kusiima in added time, handing the hosts a crucial win.

The result puts Vipers in control of the tie ahead of the decisive return leg slated for May 17th in Hoima, with a place in the final firmly within reach.

The game was a cagey and physical affair, with few clear-cut opportunities on either end.

The Venoms threatened through Milton Karisa and Allan Okello while Kitara’s frontline led by Patrick Kaddu and Jude Ssemugabi also posed danger, especially in the first half.

After the break, Vipers grew into the contest, dominating possession and creating more chances. Substitute Gusto Mulongo missed a golden opportunity after good work from Sukuya and while Karisa and Okello remained quiet for large spells, the hosts continued to press.

Kitara’s defense held firm until the final minutes, but it was Sentamu's late intervention that ultimately broke their resistance and sent the home fans into wild celebrations.

The victory keeps Vipers’ hopes of a domestic double alive and puts them in the driver’s seat going into the second leg.