The Round of 16 in the 52nd edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup continues on Tuesday as KCCA FC host FUFA Big League side Onduparaka FC at 7 p.m. at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
KCCA FC are among the favourites for this year’s competition, having finished as runners-up last season and lifted the trophy a record 10 times in their history.
However, the Kasasiro Boys will have to prove their credentials by overcoming a determined Onduparaka side on Tuesday evening.
Heading into the fixture, KCCA secured a 3-0 victory over Lugazi in the Uganda Premier League, while Onduparaka narrowly edged Kaaro Karungi 1-0 in the FUFA Big League over the weekend.
In the previous round, KCCA FC eliminated Mbarara City courtesy of a goal from Filbert Obenchan, while Onduparaka advanced via a penalty shootout against non-league side Football Classroom.
The two teams last met in 2023, playing to a 2-2 draw in Lugogo. Onduparaka will be hoping to replicate a similar performance and possibly force the game to penalties, as they did in their Round of 32 victory.
KCCA FC co-coach Jackson Magera has called for focus and commitment from his players ahead of the encounter.
“We have prepared the team, and KCCA FC is a big club that should aim to win every match. The players must implement the game plan so that we progress to the next round,” he said.
“Every second and minute of the game is crucial. The players must remain focused because knockout matches are always tricky, but we have prepared the team to win on Tuesday.” he concluded.
Historically, KCCA FC have dominated this fixture. In the last 13 meetings across all competitions, KCCA have won nine matches, while Onduparaka have registered one victory and three draws.
During that period, KCCA FC have scored 37 goals compared to Onduparaka’s eight.
The Kasasiro Boys will continue to be without five players: goalkeeper Charles Lukwago, James Mubezi, Alpha Ssali, Bright Anukani, and striker Derrick Nsibambi.
Meanwhile, earlier on the same day at the same venue, NEC FC will host Lugazi FC in another Round of 16 fixture.
Happy Boys Kagaba are the only team so far to have booked a place in the quarterfinals after defeating Six O’clock FC 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw in normal time on Monday.
