More controversy as hosts Vipers edge wasteful Villa
Vipers coach Da Costa celebrates with scorer Nkuubi (L) at the buzzer. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
KITENDE- At the current rate, a game between Vipers and SC Villa it seems, cannot end without controversy.
There was little off field drama on Tuesday that characterized recent clashes including the goalless semifinal first leg 10 days ago that left Vipers coach Miguel Da Costa hosptitalised.
With security tightened, the only incident of note was the standoff when the SC Villa team bus was initially denied entry into the packed St. Mary Stadium on grounds that they first go through a security check.
Much debate
But still the decisive moment of the Stanbic Uganda Cup semifinal second leg between the two teams is one that raised much debate.
A tussle between Henry Katongole and Milton Karisa on 69 minutes was deemed a foul by center referee Emma Kiweewa who gave the benefit of doubt to the Vipers striker and awarded a freekick just outside the box.
Substitute Brian Nkuubi then stepped up with his effort going through the wall and going in off goalkeeper Samuel Kivumbi’s left hand post for the game’s only goal
The goal followed even more protests from Villa players who again attacked and shoved the referee.
The scenes were reminiscent of the two teams’ first round league clash that resulted into a two- game suspension for Villa goalkeeper Samson Kirya.
Like the meeting last September, however, the referee who had a poor day again surprisingly opted against cautioning any Villa player.
“We got many opportunities today and missed them and the referee got one opportunity and took it,” Villa coach Wasswa Bbosa summed up the game.
Wasted chances
But like he had earlier also admitted, the incident could have had little or no effect on proceedings had his side, missing several first team players through injury, wasted several goal scoring opportunities.
The most glaring fell to Mhad Kakooza in the first half when he side footed wide of a gaping net after the lively Allan Kyambadde had forced an error from Vipers goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.
“They were better than us and created even more chances than us. But for the commitment and belief our players showed we deserved to win,” Vipers Da Costa noted.
His side will now attempt to complete a first ever league and cup double when they face KCCA in Bukedea on Saturday.
STANBIC UGANDA CUP
SEMIFINALS - SECOND LEG
Vipers 1-0 Villa
(Vipers progress 1-0 on aggregate)
Final - SATURDAY (JUNE 9)
KCCA vs. Vipers
Bukedea Emokori Grounds
