KCCA 0-2 Vipers
Entebbe 0-1 Onduparaka
KCCA’s hopes of winning their first ever double have been cast into doubt after losing 2-0 at home to Vipers.
In a thrilling match played at Nakivubo stadium on Wednesday afternoon, Vipers scored in either half through Erisa Ssekisambu and Alfred Leku to hand their side a first leg advantage.
Ceaser Okhuti missed a chance to open the scoring inside the first minute when his attempted loop was saved by Vipers’ Ismail Watenga and it was the same moments later for the visitors who missed a chance through Leku.
The forward saw his effort saved by Benjamin Ochan but that was a warning for what was to come.
Nine minutes later, Ssekisambu was at the end of the Leku’s pass, beat the offside trap, then goalkeeper before slotting home to send the travelling fans into frenzy.
The forward thought he had made it 2-0 ten minutes later but was denied by the cross bar after getting at the end of a brilliant over the top pass from Deus Bukenya.
At the other end, KCCA’s was limited to a few attacks and they only threatened when Herman Wasswa attempted chested ball to Emma Magembe was cleared out of danger by Halid Lwaliwa.
Unhappy with proceedings, KCCA Coach Mike Mutebi made immediate changes after the breather with a double change.
Hakim Ssenkumba replaced Godfrey Ssembatya while Julius Poloto came on for Magembe who seemed out of ideas.
Five minutes after the changes, it was Vipers who extended the lead as Leku fired home from close range with KCCA defenders ball watching.
The former Kibuli SS forward received a good ball from Nicholas Wadada who had beaten Joseph Ochaya for pace down the right wing.
George ‘Best’ Nsimbe, who was facing his former bosses for a second time in less than two months made changes with Duncan Seninde replacing injured Erisa Ssekisambu and Hassan Kalega coming on for the lively Semujju.
The changes nearly paid dividends but missed chances for late decision making as defenders blocked their attempts from hitting the target.
The league champions also had their chances at the other end but were lethargic with Ochaya and Okhuti the main culprits.
At Bugonga, visitors Onduparaka scored through Muhammad Shaban in the first half to earn a 1-0 victory over Entebbe.
The Caterpillars missed a chance for a two goal cushion when Gaddafi Gadinho missed from 12 yards after a foul in the area.
Muhammad Zziwa was sent off as the hosts played with ten men for over 70 minutes.
The second legs for both matches are scheduled for Sunday June 12, 2016 at Buikwe and Arua with the hosts then more likely to meet in the June 18 finals at Nakivubo stadium.
Lineups
KCCA: Benjamin Ochan (GK), Sakka Mpiima, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Awani, Richard Ayiko, Sulaimon Akinyemi, Godfrey Ssembatya (Hakim Senkumba), Muzamiru Mutyaba, Emma Magembe (Julius Poloto), Herman Wasswa (Nelson Senkatuka) and Ceaser Okhuti.
Vipers: Ismail Watenga (GK), Nicholas Wadada, Dan Birikwalira, Halid Lwaliwa, Shafik Bakaki, Siraje Ssentamu, Deus Bukenya Joseph Semujju (Hassan Kalega), Keziron Kizito, Alfred Leku (Pius Wanji), Erisa Ssekisambu (Duncan Sseninde)