Goalkeeper Muhamad Ssekkeba saved two penalties as URA FC eliminated KCCA FC to reach the semifinals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The match, played on Saturday under the sunshine at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo, ended 2-2 after normal and extra time, with URA prevailing 4-2 in the ensuing penalty shootout.
Joseph Ssemujju, Moses Aliro, Ronald Otti, and Isma Mugulusi converted their penalties for URA, while Disan Galiwango missed.
For KCCA, Ashiraf Mugume and Joel Sserunjogi scored, but Enock Walusimbi and Herbert Achai failed to find the net, sending the Kasasiro Boys out of the competition.
How it unfolded
KCCA FC took an early lead through Saidi Mayanja just two minutes into the game and went into halftime 1-0 ahead. Herbert Achai doubled the advantage in the second half, putting KCCA 2-0 up.
URA FC fought back in the latter stages of the match. With five minutes remaining, Innocent Kisolo’s shot was deflected into the net by Ashiraf Mugume.
The Tax Collectors then found a dramatic equalizer in added time when Ronald Otti powered home a header, forcing the game into extra time and subsequently a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Joseph Ssemujju opened for URA, with Joel Sserunjogi responding for KCCA. Disan Galiwango missed for URA, giving KCCA a chance to take the lead, but Herbert Achai’s effort was denied by Ssekkeba.
Captain Moses Aliro scored URA’s next penalty, matched by Ashiraf Mugume for KCCA. Ronald Otti converted beautifully in the middle, while Enock Walusimbi was again denied by Ssekkeba.
Isma Mugulusi calmly dispatched the decisive penalty, sending the URA fans into celebration and securing KCCA’s elimination.
Following this defeat, KCCA FC will now focus on winning remaining league games as they aim to compete with Vipers SC and Kitara FC for the Uganda Premier League title.
The Stanbic Uganda Cup quarterfinals continue on Sunday with Kitara FC hosting Express FC in Butema, while SC Villa will visit Happy Boys Kagaba in Kassanda on Monday to complete the last-eight stage.
It should be noted that the winner of the Stanbic Uganda Cup earns the right to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup.
