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Vipers SC has etched its name into the 'double class' after winning the 2023 Uganda Cup title following a 1-0 victory over Police FC at the Akii Bua Stadium in Lira.
The game took little time to spring into life. But the underdogs had the first sniff when Herman Wasswa caught young defender Rogers Torach with the ball stuck under his feet.
Wasswa won possession and played in Emmanuel Mugume, who should have done better against Fabien Mutombora but went for power and placed his shot over the crossbar.
Three minutes later, the Venoms made Police pay for that missed opportunity. Milton Karisa sneaked in at the near post to glance his header into the back of the net.
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10:25 - 03.06.2023
FOOTBALL Live Updates: Uganda Cup final; Vipers win maiden domestic double
Vipers SC became the fourth Ugandan club to win a domestic double, joining KCCA FC, SC Villa and Express FC who have achieved the feat before
The Cops were not to be slowed and continued to have the lion's share of the ball, despite failing to create clear opportunities from their dominance.
Wasswa looked to be Police's most significant threat but often needed more support from the midfield to inflict real damage.
On the other hand, Vipers were frustrated to continue playing second fiddle, but as long as they carried the lead, they were not necessarily in a spot of bother going into the halftime break.
The game continued on a similar trajectory at the start of the second half, although the Venoms looked prime to add to their advantage.
Second-half substitute Karim Ndugwa fashioned an excellent opportunity, swinging away from defender George Kiryowa, but was denied by a brilliant stop from goalkeeper Davis Mutebi.
Mutebi once again came out on top to keep his side in the game, pulling off another top stop to deny Karisa, with Yunus Ssentamu arriving late to pick up the rebound.
The Cops threatened on the other end, Mugume's low drive nearly slipping past Mutombora, who did well to tip it aside for a corner.
Wasswa also had an opportunity to be the hero from a free kick, but his effort was wide off the target, while Samuel Kayongo scuffed his shot well over the crossbar from a good position.
With the victory, Vipers joins SC Villa, Express FC and KCCA FC to win both the Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup titles in the same year.
How both teams started
Vipers SC XI: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane, Siraje Ssentamu, AbdulKarim Watambala, Bright Anukani, Yunus Ssentamu, Milton Karisa, Abubakar Lawal
Police FC XI: Davis Mutebi (GK), Tony Kiwalazi, George Kiryowa, Martin Owalamu, Joseph Ssentume Yawe, Samuel Kayongo, Timothy Muwanguzi, Emmanuel Mugisha, Denis Kalanzo, Reagan Male, Herman Wasswa
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