Uganda Cup R16 | Wednesday 19th March, 2025
- Vipers Vs Blacks Power – Kitende | 7 PM
- URA Vs Kataka – Hamz Stadium | 3 PM
- Kaaro Karungi Vs UPDF – Kyamate Playground | 3 PM
Vipers SC is set to host Blacks Power FC in an anticipated Uganda Cup Round of 16 clash at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Wednesday, March 19.
Both teams currently lead their respective leagues, with Vipers sitting atop the Uganda Premier League and Blacks Power leading the FUFA Big League.
Vipers secured their place in this stage by defeating fellow Uganda Premier League (UPL) side Mbarara City FC 2-0.
Goals from Yunus Sentamu and Allan Okello sealed the victory. However, Okello will be unavailable for this crucial encounter as he is away on national duty with the Uganda Cranes in Cairo. Also missing from the squad for the same reason are Rodgers Torach and Karim Watambala.
On the other hand, Blacks Power pulled off an impressive victory over UPL side NEC FC at Lugogo to book their place in the Round of 16.
However, they face a potential setback with star player Innocent Maduka’s fitness in doubt after sustaining an injury during training. He will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability.
The Venoms last lifted the Uganda Cup in the 2022-2023 season when skipper Milton Karisa’s goal secured a 1-0 win over Police FC. Now, with ambitions of reclaiming the prestigious title, they must first overcome Blacks Power.
Despite the absence of key players, Vipers will rely on their squad depth and home advantage to get past the resilient FUFA Big League leaders.
Blacks Power head coach Bob Obira is optimistic about his team’s chances despite concerns over playing away from home.
Speaking ahead of the match, Obira highlighted the difficulty of playing away fixtures in the Uganda Cup but maintained confidence in his team’s ability to compete.
“The future is good, but the undoing is only the pitch. They would have even made us play at home. We cannot play every Uganda Cup game away,” Obira stated.
Despite the challenges, Obira assured fans that his side will give their all. “We are going to that pitch determined to play, determined to come back with a victory. Expect us to come full swing, expect a game and a half from us,” he added.
Alongside the Vipers Vs Blacks Power showdown, two other games are set to take place on the same day.
UPL side URA will host FUFA Big League outfit Kataka FC at the Hamz Stadium, while UPDF FC will visit Kaaro Karungi at the Kyamkya Stadium. Both matches will kick off at 3 PM.
The 51st edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup, co-sponsored by Plascon Uganda, is not just a fight for silverware but also serves as a platform for young players to showcase their skills.
