In a night filled with drama at the MTN Omondi Stadium, BUL FC clinched their second consecutive FUFA Super Eight title. After a goalless 90 minutes that felt like watching paint dry, and extra time that added to the suspense, BUL FC edged out Vipers SC 6-5 in a tense penalty shootout.
The match started with a promise of fireworks, but it quickly turned into a battle of wits and endurance.
BUL FC, who had already shown Kitara FC the exit in the semifinals, walked into the final with swagger, hoping to keep their crown. On the other hand, Vipers SC, having sent Uganda Cranes Select packing, were just as determined to snatch the title.
Early on, BUL almost took the lead in the 4th minute, but Nicholas Mwere’s free-kick soared over the bar, probably aiming for the stars instead of the net. The game quickly turned into a gritty, physical contest, with both teams playing like they were auditioning for a role in a wrestling match rather than a football game.
Vipers had their chances too. In the 12th minute, Wadada decided to test BUL’s keeper, Joel Mutakubwa, with a long-range shot that had more hope than precision. Mutakubwa was up to the task, tipping it into the corner with the kind of cool you’d expect from a seasoned goalkeeper.
A crucial moment came in the 23rd minute when Enock Luyima made a last-ditch interception that saved Vipers from falling behind. Both defenses were as tight as a drum, making goal-scoring look like an impossible dream.
As halftime approached, Vipers had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock. Karisa found himself alone with BUL’s keeper, but instead of taking the shot, he decided to pass the ball, probably forgetting that the goal was the main point of the game. BUL’s defense happily cleared the danger, thanking Karisa for his generosity.
The second half saw Vipers push harder, but their efforts were in vain. Kenneth Kimera had a golden chance from close range but sent his shot sky-high, perhaps aiming for the moon. BUL’s goalkeeper wasn’t taking any chances, making crucial saves and keeping the scoreline at a frustrating 0-0.
Extra time was more of the same – tension, close calls, and a whole lot of missed opportunities. Vipers had their hearts in their mouths when a shot from BUL struck the woodwork, but the football gods decided it wasn’t time yet.
The match was finally decided by penalties. BUL FC held their nerve, converting all six of their penalties with the precision of a surgeon. When it was Enock Luyima’s turn to keep Vipers in the game, he sent his shot over the bar, sealing BUL’s hard-fought victory and sending their fans into wild celebrations.
Earlier in the day, Uganda Cranes Select comfortably defeated Kitara FC 2-0 to finish third in the competition, with both goals coming from Mbarara City FC’s Henry Kitegenyi.
