Uganda Cup: Villa Edge Stubborn Happy Boys Kagaba to Reach Semi-finals

Uganda Premier League side SC Villa narrowly defeated Happy Boys Kagaba on Easter Monday to book their place in the semi-finals of the Uganda Cup.

Andrew Otim’s second-half strike proved decisive as Villa secured a 1-0 victory in a closely contested match played in Kassanda.

The hosts nearly made a dream start, with Eddie Bulwanyi coming close just three minutes into the game from a long-range free kick. However, Villa goalkeeper David Lukwago produced a brilliant save before reacting quickly to deny two rebound efforts.

Moments later, Patrick Jonah Kakande nearly broke the deadlock but saw his low shot drift just wide of the left post.

In the 26th minute, Bulwanyi once again tested Lukwago with a powerful long-range effort, but the goalkeeper was equal to the task, pushing the ball out for a corner that ultimately came to nothing.

Villa’s Diego Ssemugera and Hassan Mubiru attempted to create chances for the visitors, but the breakthrough remained elusive.

Happy Boys Kagaba looked the more threatening side in the first half, which ended goalless.

After the restart, SC Villa showed greater intent, dominating possession in search of the opener, though the hosts remained organised and resilient.

In the 64th minute, Pius Kamoga thought he had given Happy Boys Kagaba the lead, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Just three minutes later, Najib Yiga had a golden opportunity to put Villa ahead, but his effort lacked both power and precision, allowing goalkeeper Patrick Mubiru to make a comfortable save.

Otim eventually broke the deadlock with 18 minutes remaining. Kakande headed a well-delivered cross into the box, and Reagan Mpande’s slight touch found the unmarked Otim, who calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Despite an impressive performance, Happy Boys Kagaba were unable to find an equaliser and were eliminated from the competition.

For the second consecutive round, Otim proved to be Villa’s match-winner, having also scored the decisive goal against Maroons FC in the Round of 16.

With this victory, SC Villa joins URA FC, Kitara FC and Vipers SC in the semi-finals.

The winner of the Uganda Cup will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup.