Vipers SC needed a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over Bujumbura United to hit the Round of 32 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup on Tuesday, at Kibajwa Primary School Playgrounds.

Each Bright Anukani, Disan Galiwango, Desire Tety, and Ashraf Mandela all scored from the spot to hand new head coach Beto Bianchi Pellister a spot in the next round.

This was after a goalless stalemate after 90 minutes on a virtually unplayed pitch as it was poorly levelled with a hard almost grass-less ground.

Defender Hillary Mukundane, in the first half nearly broke the deadlock but headed inches over the bar a Karim Watambala freekick.

In the 35th minute, winger Abdu Lumala threatened but his strong shot was dealt with by the hosts’ goalkeeper.

Vipers’ signing Desire Tety should have struck the opener, but the goalkeeper yet again denied him from close range.

Substitute Bright Anukani should have grabbed the day’s goal late in the game, but his shot stung the post, to send the tie into penalties.

Vipers will return to action in the Uganda Premier League with an away game against Soltilo Bright Stars on February 9th.

How Vipers lined up

Fabien Mutombora (GK), Isa Mubiru, Ashraf Mandela (c), Disan Galiwango, Hilary Mukundane, Murushid Juuko, Abdu Karim Watambala, Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye, Abdu Lumala, Desire Tety, Ibrahim Orit

Substitutions: Denis Kiggundu, Bright Anukani, Enock Luyima, Olivier Osomba, Gracia Mpongo Mbombo, Karim Ndugwa