SC Villa secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Maroons FC to progress to the quarterfinals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.

The match, played under the floodlights at FUFA Kadiba Stadium on Thursday evening, was decided by a second-half strike from Andrew Otim.

Both sides began the contest with intensity, displaying organised and disciplined football. Clear-cut chances were limited in the opening half, with the best opportunity falling to Jackson Nunda in the 25th minute, but his effort was well saved by goalkeeper David Lukwago.

Maroons returned stronger after the break and created the better chances, including a promising move in which Marvin Oshaba set up Brian Nkuubi, but the latter failed to convert.

In the 70th minute, SC Villa made a triple substitution, introducing Andrew Otim, Charles Lwanga, and Bayo Ali in place of Frank Ssebufu, Aslam Ssemakula, and Hassan Mubiru.

The changes paid immediate dividends, as Otim found the back of the net just four minutes later with what proved to be the decisive goal.

Lwanga made a strong run before delivering a low cross into the box. Goalkeeper Simon Tamale failed to deal with the ball, allowing Otim to tap home and send the home fans into celebration.

Otim nearly doubled his tally in the 87th minute, but his effort was superbly saved by Tamale.

In the closing stages, Najib Yiga also came close to extending Villa’s lead, but his attempt struck the base of the post and went out.

The result sees SC Villa become the sixth team to book a place in the quarterfinals, joining KCCA FC, NEC FC, Vipers SC, Kitara FC, and Happy Boys Kagaba.

The Round of 16 will conclude on Friday with two fixtures. URA FC will host Tapoh FC at 3pm at Nakivubo Stadium, before Express FC face Red Devo FC at the same venue at 7pm. The winners of these matches will complete the quarterfinal lineup.