Day of the underdogs as Vipers, Onduparaka exit

Kajjansi Utd plays erupt into celebrations after ejecting Vipers at Wankuluku yesterday. Below Kajjansi keeper Kajiri stops Kyebatala’s kick. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

Familiarity breeding contempt is a phrase that is applied in many life situations.
The phrase is also one that could apply when referring to Kajjansi United’s relationship with their more established neighbours Vipers.
As they took to the field and in the way they acquitted themselves at the Betway Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku, third tier side Kajjansi showed no fear for opponents who they often play in closed door friendlies.

Eliminating topflight sides
In the end that approach was rewarded with a round-of-32 Stanbic Uganda Cup place after eliminating current topflight league leaders and 2016 champions Vipers 8-7 in a penalty shootout.
Kajjansi took an early lead through Francis Male before Fahad Bayo who was part of a regular starting line-up for Vipers equalised late in the game as they piled on the pressure.
With the much desired second goal not materialising, it was left to the post-match shootout to decide Vipers fate with Bayo, Geoffrey Wasswa, Farouk Musisi, Rahmat Senfuka Abraham Ndugwa and Jacob Okao all finding the back of the net.
But so did Marvin Nnyanzi, Mike Lutaaya, Rashid Ssemwogerere, Edgar Luzige, Joseph Shisha, Ashraf Mbaziira, Issac Balyejusa and Ronald Kizito for Kajjansi before goalkeeper Mike Kagiri saved Umar Kyebatala’s effort.

Vipers under pressure
The result, coupled with Friday’s 1-0 league home loss to SC Villa as well as a series of unconvincing performances will leave Vipers coaches Edward Golola and Richard Wasswa under pressure to avoid another sacking.
They were not the only topflight league club though to be eliminated with Busoga falling 2-1 to Busia Young and Onduparaka returning from Rwampara empty-handed after a 1-0 loss to another third tier side Bugamba.