Alex Isabirye started his reign at Vipers Sports Club with a victory over Wakiso Giants Football Club in the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 16 on Tuesday. March. 2023 at the Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium, Wakiso

Isabirye sealed his first win on debut as Vipers' Head Coach after overcoming Wakiso Giants in a highly intense game where they had to come from a goal down to force penalties after full time.

The Venoms had a lovely start as they raided the Purple Sharks from the very first minute; registering half chances through Yunus Sentamu and Karim Ndugwa in the early minutes of the game. 

They also had a free kick Scoring opportunity in the 10th minute through Martin Kizza but it was well dealt with by the Purple Sharks goalkeeper Bashir Ssekagya.

As the game advanced, Isabirye's troops continued asking most of the questions but failed to make their domination count with Isa Mubiru and  Karim Ndugwa having the real chances; however, the hosts stood their ground, taking the game into half time at 0-0.

After the break, the hunter became the hunted as Wakiso Giants took the lead through Shariph Kimbowa in the early minutes of the second half.

The goal by the hosts in the 47th minute attracted a massive response from the Kitende based team, pushing once again as they fought for their lives.

They almost levelled maters through Karim Watambala in the 64th minute; but his powerful high shot was punched out by Ssekagya.

However, 15 minutes later, Vipers' goal celebration moment finally came when Martin Kizza found Ashraf Mandela with a cut back from which the visitors made it 1 all.

Mandela took a superb low powerful shot into the back of the net; beating Ssekagya who up to that moment had had an outstanding performance.

With 10 minutes left to full time, both teams switched their game tactics to playing safety first measures; thus a 1 all full time score which sent the game to be decided on penalties. 

From the penalty spot, George Kaddu, 
Rahmat ssenfuma and Moses Aliro scored for Wakiso Giants while Norman Ojik and Tom Masiko missed. 

Masiko's attempt hit the wood work while Ojik's effort had been earlier saved by Vipers'custodian Fabian Mutomboora.

For the eventual winners Vipers Sports Club; Bright Anukani, Martin Kizza, Abubakar Lawal and Hillary Mukundane all hit the target.

With a final score of 4-3, the Venoms sailed through to the quarter finals.

Wakiso Giants Starting XI:

Bashir Ssekagya (GK), Grant Matsiko, Alex Komaketch, Paul Willa, Ambrose Arinda, Lawrence Bukenya, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Titus Ssematimba, Shariph Kimbowa, Marvin Nyanzi

Vipers SC starting XI:

Fabien Mutombora (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Issa Mubiru, Hillary Mukundane, Joseph Ssentume, Siraje Ssentamu, Karim Watambala, Nzau Miguel, Martin Kiiza, Yunus Ssentamu, Karim Ndugwa 

In the other game of the evening, 10 man Kiyinda Boys Football Club lost 4-0 to Soltilo Bright Stars Football Club at Kavumba Recreation Ground, Wakiso.

Soltilo Bright Stars scored through Emmanuel Loki, Kasinde and Nelson Ssenkatuka.

Story by www.sportznow.ug Writer, Rachel Abigail Nandawula.