2026 Uganda Cup | Friday April 3
- NEC FC (3)0-0(4) Vipers SC
Vipers Sports Club kept their composure when it mattered most, beating NEC 4-3 in a penalty shootout to become the first team into the Plascon co-sponsored Uganda Cup semi-finals at Lugogo on Good Friday.
After 120 minutes without a goal, the tie came down to spot kicks and Vipers held their nerve.
Abdul-Karim Watambala, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Hilary Mukundane and captain Milton Karisa all converted. Enock Luyima’s effort was saved, but it didn’t prove costly.
NEC never quite recovered from a poor start in the shootout. Warren Buule struck the crossbar with the opening kick, and Pius Obuya was denied by Denis Kiggundu.
Hakim Wandera, Ronald Innocent Media and goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo scored to keep them alive, but Karisa calmly finished it to send Vipers through.
The match itself was tight and tense, with chances at a premium. NEC started brighter, Wandera’s corner finding Muhammed Ssenoga Kagawa, who shot over.
Vipers responded through Odili Chukwuma and Arafat Usama, but their efforts also missed the target.
Both sides struggled to find a cutting edge. Watambala’s free-kick was headed over by Tadeo Lwanga, while NEC’s Samuel Ssekamatte Kayongo and Beyuku wasted good chances before the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern. NEC came close through Wandera’s curling free-kick, while Ssebwalunyo rushed out well to deny Karisa.
Vipers pushed late on, with Sentamu adding energy, but NEC defended firmly to force extra time.
In extra time, fatigue set in. The best chance fell to NEC, but Kiggundu made a crucial double save to keep Vipers in it. With no breakthrough, penalties became inevitable.
Vipers took control early in the shootout and never let go. Even after Luyima’s miss gave NEC hope, Karisa stepped up and sealed the win, sparking celebrations.
Vipers now move into the semi-finals as the race for the Uganda Cup continues. URA and KCCA face off in the remaining quarter-final on Saturday.
Thereafter Kitara FC are set to host Express FC on Easter before SC Villa visit Happy Boyz Kagaba on Easter Monday.
