FUFA Super 8: BUL eliminate defending champions Vipers

Bul fc condemned Vipers to the first defeat this season|BUL FC Image

FOOTBALL FUFA Super 8: BUL eliminate defending champions Vipers

Allan Damba • 16:13 - 10.08.2023

It should be noted that this was the first time the tournament got played in over four years, with the last edition coming in 2019.

Defending champions Vipers SC will not be defending the FUFA Super 8 tournament after getting dumped out by Jinja side BUL FC in the opening match of this year's edition.

Samuel Kayongo Ssekamatte's lone goal at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru on Thursday was enough to help the Oil Manufacturers glide to the semi-finals.

It should be noted that this was the first time the tournament got played in over four years, with the last edition coming in 2019.

The first half witnessed a cagey affair that had the hosts sit and defend deep while the guests struggled to break between the walls.

It was cagey but BUL were 1-0 victors|BUL FC Image

The only highlight came as Vipers thought they had broken the deadlock in the 19th minute through new signing Awisone Fumador, only for the goal to be adjudged offside.

Three minutes into the second half, BUL went ahead through Ssekamatte's penalty after Ashraf Mandela had brought down Reagan Kalyowa in the box.

Samuel Ssekamatte celebrates the only goal of the game|BUL FC Image

The hosts probed even more for a second but Vipers' defence stood strong to thwart any further damages.

At the 75th minute-mark, for the second time in the game, the Venoms had the ball in the net, but an offside call was made against Abdu Lumala.

Despite the league winners pushing for an equalizer, the hosts' defence manned by Walter Ochora stayed unfazed as BUL sailed to the semis.

How both teams lined up

BUL: Tom Ikara (GK), Martin Aprem, Ronald Otti, Ali Mwere, Walter Ochora, Jerome Kirya, George Kasonko (c), Reagan Kalyowa, Samuel Ssekamatte, Ngoobi, Douglas Muganga.

Substitutions: Ibrahim Mugulusi, Lawrence Tezikya, Hillary Onek, Ibrahim Kazindula, Alex Kitata, Joel Mutakubwa, Emmanuel Obua, Vincent Zziwa, Joel Madondo.

Vipers: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Hilary Mukundane, Livingstone Mulondo, Siraje Ssentamu, Patrick Mbowa, Milton Karisa (c), David Bagoole, Yunus Sentamu, Awisone Fumador.

Substitutions: Denis Kiggundu, Richard Matovu, Nzau Miguel Lutumba, Karim Watambala, Abubakar Lawal, Abdu Lumala, Giancarlo Rodriguez.