In spite of a poor show in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, where they have been relegated, Mbarara City FC has been excellent in the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
In the Round of 32, the Western region outfit astonishingly eliminated giants URA FC after an 11-10 penalty shootout win.
They then trumped Iganga Young FC 4-0 in the subsequent round, to make a statement of intent.
In the quarter-finals, the Ankole Lions roared yet again as they beat Mbale Heroes FC 1-0, to book a semifinal date with Vipers SC.
“We know Vipers as a hard team to beat but, we have laid the right strategies of picking a good result so as to play the final,” head coach Sadiq Ssempigi told the media ahead of the Wednesday game.
Vipers’ head coach Roberto Oliveira, is aware Mbarara City FC can pull off an upset against the big guns, especially at Kakyeka Stadium.
“I respect my opponents because they have a really strong team. It will be difficult for us at their stadium (Kakyeka),” the Brazilian spoke to the media ahead of the Wednesday match.
The Venoms are already league champions after winning it with four games to spare over a fortnight ago, and, they are looking forward to a domestic double.
“We won the Uganda Cup last year, the league and now, we need the Cup again,” that’s the objective, noted Vipers Coach Oliveira.
On the other hand, Mbarara’s Sadiq Ssempigi has underlined his side’s readiness to compete and hit the final.
All last four fixtures will be played on a home and away basis. After Wednesday’s bout, a return leg awaits at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on May 18th.Courtesy photos
