In a highly anticipated match at the Akii Bua Memorial Stadium, Vipers Sports Club emerged victorious, defeating Police Football Club with a narrow 1-0 scoreline in the final of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
With this victory, Vipers sealed a remarkable season double, having clinched the 2022/23 Startimes Uganda Premier League title just a week ago.
The match held great significance for both teams. Vipers aimed to secure their third Uganda Cup title and complete a memorable season.
On the other hand Police sought consolation after missing out on promotion to the top-flight league, at the expense of NEC, Mbarara City and Kitara FC in the FUFA Big league.
The game began with Vipers taking the initiative, as they pressed forward in search of an early goal.
However, Police’s resilient defense, led by skipper Joseph Sentume, stood firm and cleared their lines in the face of Vipers’ attacking threat.
The first notable chance of the game came in the 13th minute when Herman Wasswa played a through ball to Emmanuel Mugume, who unfortunately failed to hit the target, sending his shot wide.
The match remained leveled in the opening 15 minutes, with neither team creating clear-cut opportunities.
However, in the 16th minute, Vipers broke the deadlock through Milton Karisa. Bright Anukani’s corner found Karisa’s head, and he executed a brilliant header to put his team in the lead.
Vipers continued to assert their dominance but were unable to add to their advantage before the halftime whistle.
The second half saw Vipers maintain their control over the game, as they looked to extend their lead.
Despite their efforts, they were met with strong resistance from the Police defense, particularly goalkeeper Davis Mutebi, who made several impressive saves to keep his team in the match.
Police had their fair share of opportunities to equalize, with Dennis Kalanzi coming close to capitalizing on a defensive miscommunication but failing to hit the target.
The game took an unfortunate turn for Police when Jackson Semugabi suffered a serious injury and had to be stretchered off, leaving his team a man down.
As the match reached its closing stages, both teams made substitutions in an attempt to influence the outcome.
Vipers brought on Martin Kizza for Yunus Sentamu, while Police introduced Ahmed Aliyu Danjuma for the injured Semugabi.
The tension remained high as the clock ticked away, but neither team could alter the scoreline.
The final whistle confirmed Vipers’ 1-0 victory, securing them the prestigious Stanbic Uganda Cup and completing a domestic double.
Their triumph in the Uganda cup competition came after narrowly missing out on the title in the previous season, where they were defeated 3-1 by BUL FC in the final that was played in Masindi.
On a strong note, with Vipers already through to CAF Champions League by virtue of winning the League, the CAG Confederation Cup slot (which goes to Uganda Cup winner), will be awarded to KCCA who finished second in the league.
They will now celebrate their remarkable achievements this season, having claimed both the league and Uganda cup titles, while Police will have to regroup and strive for future success in their quest for promotion.
The Breakdown:
•Winner – 50 million (1 team)
•Runner Up – 25 million (1 team)
•Semi Finalists – 12.5 million each (2 teams)
•Quarter Finalists – 6 million each (4 teams)
•Round of 16 – 3 million each (8 teams)
•Round of 32 – 2 million each (16 teams)
*TOTAL – 180 million (32 teams)
Most Uganda Cup Titles
10 – KCCA, Express
9 – SC Villa
3- URA, Vipers
2 – Simba, Coffee, Mbale, Victors
1 – UEB, Nsambya Old Tymers, Victoria University, Proline, BUL
Uganda Cup Past Winners Since 2000
2000 – SC Villa
2001 – Express
2002 – SC Villa
2003 – Express
2004 – KCCA FC
2005 – URA
2006 – Express
2006/07 – Express
2007/08 – Victors
2008/09 – SC Villa
2009/10 – Victors
2010/11 – Simba
2011/12 – URA
2012/13 – Victoria University
2013/14 – URA FC
2014/15 – SC Villa
2015/16 – Vipers SC
2017 – KCCA FC
2018 – KCCA FC
2019 – Proline
2019/20 – Null and Void
2020/21 – Vipers
2021/22 – BUL
2022/23 – Vipers
