Watambala orchestrates Vipers' victory as Venoms advance in Uganda Cup

Stanbic Uganda Cup

Quarter-final

Results

Vipers 1 SC Villa 0

Police 0 (P) (0-3) Kataka 0

Though midfielder Abdul Karim Watambala did not get on the scoresheet for Vipers in Monday’s Uganda Cup quarter-final 1-0 win over SC Villa at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende, it was his commanding performance that guided his side past a determined Villa side.

The match-winner came courtesy of Milton Karisa’s 88th minute goal, but it was Watambala who stole the spotlight with a Man of the Match display.

The dynamic left-footer was at the heart of everything for Vipers, orchestrating play with composure and intelligence. His constant probing runs and sharp distribution troubled SC Villa’s backline, forcing goalkeeper Brady Wokorach into making several crucial saves to keep his side in the game.

It was Watambala’s thunderous long-range effort that Wokorach could only parry into the path of Karisa, who nodded home the decisive goal to send Vipers into the semi-finals.

Throughout the match, Watambala pulled the strings in midfield, launching sweeping long balls aimed at forwards Yunus Ssentamu and Isaac Ogwang, who persistently tested Villa’s defence. For his efforts, he was deservedly named Man of the Match, earning high praise from head coach Fred Muhumuza.

“With either foot, Watambala runs like three players and can find the goal. He has an engine no one else has. We are very happy with his performance,” Muhumuza said.

While much of the attention this season has gone to star midfielder Allan Okello whose 16 league goals surpass the totals of clubs such as Mbale Heroes, Wakiso Giants, and Bright Stars, Watambala has quietly been integral to Vipers’ impressive campaign.

Though not known for scoring as Okello does, his impact has been immense. His intelligent positioning, precise passing, and ability to link up play have created space for Okello to flourish. That has, in turn, elevated the performances of Vipers’ front line, especially Ssentamu and Ogwang.

Defensively, Watambala’s contributions have also been invaluable. He regularly drops deep to support midfield partners Marvin Youngman and Moses Waiswa in shielding the back four, a role that often goes unnoticed but is critical to Vipers’ balance.

His knack for stepping up in big moments was also evident in a recent league fixture against Lugazi at Kitende where he scored a stunning long-range strike in the 66th minute to secure a vital 1-0 win for the Venoms.

Now, with 56 points, five ahead of second-placed NEC and a spot in the Uganda Cup semi-finals, Vipers are on course to replicate their 2022/23 domestic double-winning season under coach Alex Isabirye.

For SC Villa, Monday’s defeat marked the end of their trophy hopes this season. The reigning league champions are now out of both the title race and the Uganda Cup, confirming a disappointing, trophyless campaign.

Elsewhere, on Tuesday, FUFA Big League side Kataka pulled off a stunning upset when they eliminated UPL outfit Police FC 3-0 in a penalty shootout after a goalless stalemate in regular and extra time.

Therefore, the Uganda Cup semi-final lineup now features Vipers SC, KCCA FC, Kataka FC, and defending champions Kitara FC.