HAMZ Cup: Group Leaders Stunned as Round of 16 Produces Major Upsets

Saturday, September 5, 2026
Mutaasa Kafeero 1-3 Nurmak Life Team
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Arsenal Fans UG 0-1 Born Talent
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The HAMZ Cup has been thrown into turmoil after two group-stage leaders were eliminated in the opening round of 16 matches on Saturday evening at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo War Memorial.

Second-placed teams Nurmak Life Team FC from Group G and Born Talent FC Mbuya from Group C stunned Mutaasa Kafeero and Arsenal Fans UG respectively, despite both group winners having gone through the group stage without dropping a point.

In the first match of the round of 16, Nurmak Life Team secured a 3-1 victory over Mutaasa Kafeero to book their place in the quarter-finals and move closer to the tournament’s UGX 10 million cash prize.

Nicholas Jonga opened the scoring for Nurmak Life Team in the third minute before Brian Tumusiime Matu restored parity for Mutaasa Kafeero in the 18th minute.

The goal was Matu’s 12th of the tournament, keeping him at the top of the HAMz Cup scoring charts.

Just before the break, Calvin Peter Emayu restored Nurmak Life Team’s lead before Henry Kayemba added the third goal in the 75th minute to seal the victory.

Kayemba’s goal came after impressive work from Calvin Peter Emayu, who was involved in all three goals scored by Nurmak Life Team as they advanced to the quarter-finals.

In the other thrilling encounter, Born Talent FC Mbuya eliminated Arsenal Fans Uganda with a 1-0 victory after extra time.

The match ended goalless in normal time before regular goalscorer Tony Lwanga struck in the 108th minute to send Born Talent into the quarter-finals.

Arsenal Fans UG pushed for a goal throughout the match, but Born Talent goalkeeper Richard Mulondo stood firm, making around seven saves during the 120 minutes of play.

Arsenal Fans UG goalkeeper Ashiraf Kibungo also produced a strong performance between the posts, making three impressive saves, although his efforts were not enough to prevent his side from being eliminated.

Born Talent and Nurmak Life Team will now await the winners of the remaining six round of 16 matches, with the next fixtures scheduled for September 10, 2026, at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo War Memorial.

At 4:00pm, Kafumbe United, under coach Steven Kyakusuuta ‘Coach Messi, will face Shan David’s from Entebbe, coached by David Wasswa.

At 1:00pm, Tooro Boys FC will take on Namutamba/Ndaiga FC.