Lugogo Showdown: NEC, Vipers Battle for Stanbic Uganda Cup Semi-Final Spot

Friday, April 3, 2026 | MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo – 3PM

A thrilling encounter is on the cards this Friday afternoon as NEC FC host Vipers SC in a highly anticipated Stanbic Uganda Cup quarter-final showdown at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

The fixture reignites a growing rivalry between the two sides, who have already faced off twice this season in the Uganda Premier League. Vipers SC, also known as the Venoms, secured victory in their first meeting at Lugogo before NEC FC held them to a draw in the reverse fixture at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Road to the Quarter-Finals

Both teams come into this clash on the back of convincing performances in the Round of 16. NEC FC saw off fellow top-flight side Lugazi FC with a composed 2-0 victory, while Vipers SC dispatched FUFA Big League outfit Iganga United in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 4-0 win.

Friday’s match will mark only the second time this season that Vipers play away from home in the competition, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the tie.

Team News and Key Players

NEC FC head coach Badru Kaddu is expected to rely on his attacking trio of Muhammad Ssenoga, Richard Basangwa, and Innocent Media to provide the cutting edge in front of goal. In midfield, Allan Mugalu, Joseph Sseremba, and Tonny Atukunda are tasked with dictating the tempo and maintaining control against a formidable opponent.

On the other hand, Vipers SC boast a wealth of attacking talent, with Milton Karisa, Yunus Sentamu, Usama Arafat, and Karim Watambala all expected to play pivotal roles. Their experience and attacking prowess could prove decisive in a knockout fixture where margins are often slim.

Coaches Speak

Speaking ahead of the encounter, NEC FC head coach Badru Kaddu expressed confidence in his squad’s form and mentality.

“Our camp is okay and the players understand the importance of the game. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best and the players are in good spirit,” Kaddu noted. “Since the last time we met, we have been invincible and not conceding goals and if we maintain this, we shall get a good result.”

Vipers SC head coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum across all competitions.

“Every game is very important for us. We want to continue our unbeaten run not only in the league but the cup as well. We have so many objectives and one of them is to reach the final of the Stanbic Uganda Cup,” Minnaert stated.

“Tomorrow is win or win and nothing else—what matters is getting into the semi-final.”

Match Outlook

With both teams enjoying solid form and possessing quality across all departments, the encounter promises to be fiercely contested. NEC FC will look to capitalize on home advantage and their recent defensive solidity, while Vipers SC aim to assert their dominance and continue their pursuit of silverware.

As the race for the Stanbic Uganda Cup intensifies, only one side will advance to the semi-finals—making Friday’s clash a defining moment in both teams’ campaigns.