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David GOMBE
Vipers SC and Kitara will face off in the return leg of their Stanbic Uganda Cup semifinal at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
The two sides played out to a goalless stalemate in the first leg at Royals Park in Butema two weeks ago.
In the first leg, goalkeeper Dennis Kiggundu’s heroics saw the Venoms leave Butema with at least a draw in the game Kitara were dominant.
Last season, Vipers eliminated Kitara at this stage 2-0 on aggregate and went all the way to triumph over KCCA FC in the final that was held at FUFA Kadiba Stadium.
The return leg comes at the time when both sides are struggling for form with the Venoms playing out to stalemates against URA FC and Police FC while Kitara suffered defeats to NEC FC and Express.
Kitara’s defeats also ended their title aspirations with their only hope for silverware this term in the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The draws also demaged Vipers’ lead at the top of the Uganda Premier League table and are currently three points above second placed KCCA with two games to spare.
If Ivan Jacky Minnaert’s are to clinch a third Cup double they will first have to overcome George Lutalo and Wasswa Bbosa’s Men.
“We have not been at our best recently in the league, but our focus is now fully on the Stanbic Uganda Cup. It will not be an easy game at their fortress, but we are boosted by the return of our first choice goalkeeper and are ready to give our absolute best. Our target is clear, to reach the final and win it.”Said Bbosa
Team News
Goalkeeper Dennis Kiggundu is expected to return in between the Venoms posts after being rested at Police FC while Milton Karisa and left back Enock Luyima are major doubts.
Kitara rested key players in the defeat at Express and will be boosted by the return of goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige after serving his two match ban. Murushid Juuko, Muhammad Shaban, Henry Musisi, George Ssenkaaba, Frank Tumwesigye are back in the squad having sat out at Nakivubo.
A goalless draw will see the game go to extra time and possibly penalties while any score draw sends Kitara into the final. Any win for either side secures a final a lot against SC Villa or possibly URA FC.