Da Costa hospitalized after tense Villa-Vipers Cup draw

Ugly clash: SC Villa and Vipers players in a brawl after the home team took exception to Taddeo Lwanga’s foul on Allan Kyambadde at Wankulukuku. Photo by Eddie Chicco

Kampala.

The Stanbic Uganda Cup semifinal between SC Villa and Vipers remains evenly poised after a tense first leg ended goalless at the Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku yesterday.
In a game of little goalmouth action, events off the pitch again dominated the encounter that is fasting turning into a real rivalry between the two sides.
Vipers coach Miguel Da Costa had to be taken to hospital after reportedly being hit with a stone by a Villa fan at half time.
The incident followed exchanges between the Villa fans and the Portuguese coach who was also seen making an obscene gesture in their direction.
The second half of the game was also delayed by several minutes after objects were thrown on the Vipers bench before the players were eventually persuaded to return after phone exchanges presumably with other club officials.
On the pitch both sides went for safety first by congesting the midfield.
Villa captain Bernard Muwanga often played as a central defender, started in the holding role alongside the elegant Nicholas Kasozi while Geoffrey Wasswa partnered former Villa captain Taddeo Lwanga in Vipers midfield.
Villa striker Alex Kitatta then almost earned his side a first leg advantage but saw his long range effort turned out for a corner by Vipers goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.
The skirmishes continued after the game with police firing live bullets and teargas to disperse the supporters amid simmering tensions that could erupt in the second leg on Tuesday week.
The first round league game between the two teams saw Villa docked two points and two goals after fans vandalised a small section of the St. Mary’s stadium.
In the second round Villa meanwhile accused Vipers captain Nicholas Wadada of breaking a window in the dressing room at the Masaka Recreation Ground.

Semifinal first leg result
SC Villa 0-0 Vipers
Today
Synergy vs. KCCA
Second leg
June 5 in Kitende