Vipers SC crowned an exceptional season by defeating KCCA FC 2-0 to lift their fourth Stanbic Uganda Cup title at the newly inaugurated FUFA Stadium in Kadiba, Rubaga.
The final served as the perfect inauguration of one of Uganda’s newest football venues. And it was Vipers who rose to the occasion, showcasing their class with a performance that not only sealed the cup but also completed a domestic double—winning both the league and the Uganda Cup for the second time in their history, the first coming in the 2022-2023 season.
The Venoms struck early, setting the tone for the match. Defender Livingstone Mulondo opened the scoring in just the 5th minute, heading in from an Allan Okello corner kick. Despite KCCA’s early control of possession, it was Vipers who capitalized first.
KCCA had a chance to level in the 39th minute through Emmanuel Anyama, but he missed from close range. The match saw its share of intensity, with yellow cards issued to KCCA’s James Mubezi and Vipers duo Milton Karisa and Derrick Ndahiiro as tensions flared on both sides.
KCCA began the second half with a substitution Joel Sserunjogi replacing Musitafa Mujjuzi to bolster the midfield. But the shift did little to prevent Vipers from doubling their lead. In the 55th minute, Yunus Junior Sentamu pounced on a defensive mistake by Peter Magambo, smashing in a volley to make it 2-0.
KCCA responded with changes of their own, bringing on Derrick Nsibambi and Julius Poloto. Poloto added urgency with his set-piece deliveries, but the Vipers backline stood firm. Meanwhile, Abdul-Karim Watambala came close to a spectacular goal for Vipers with a powerful strike from 35 yards that narrowly missed the target.
As the match progressed, both coaches sought fresh legs to influence the final stretch. KCCA’s standout performer Arafat Usama made way for Etienne Katenga, while Umar Lutalo replaced Ashraf Mugume and later fired a shot off-target.
Vipers also rotated, subbing off Okello for Moses Waiswa and later bringing on Congolese forward Gusto Mulongo for Sentamu. Mulongo made an immediate impact, forcing a save with a long-range effort from 40 yards.
In stoppage time, Nicholas Wadada added a moment of flair with a slick wall pass that drew applause before being fouled. He was substituted for Grant Matisko moments before referee Shamirah Nabadda blew the final whistle.
Individual Awards and Honors
MVP: Abdul-Karim Watambala (Vipers)
Top Scorers: Yunus Sentamu & Livingstone Mulondo – 4 goals each (Vipers)
Best Defender: Livingstone Mulondo (Vipers)
Best Goalkeeper: Denis Kiggundu (Vipers)
Best Midfielder: Arafat Usama Kizza (KCCA)
With this latest triumph, Vipers SC now boast four Uganda Cup titles, adding to their successes from 2015-16, 2019-2020, and 2022-2023.
