KCCA’s trophy drought set to continue after exiting Uganda Cup
The Lugogo-based side appeared firmly on course for a semifinal place, leading 2-0 with just six minutes left in the one-legged quarterfinal at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
KCCA had dominated proceedings for much of the game and showed early intent when Saidi Mayanja fired them ahead in the fourth minute. (Courtesy photo)
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Stanbic Uganda Cup
Quarterfinal Results
URA 2 (4) KCCA 2 (2)
URA win 4-2 on penalties
NEC 0 (3) Vipers 0 (4)
Vipers win 4-3 on penalties
Kitara 3 Express 0
Happy Boys v SC Villa (Monday, 3:00 pm)
KCCA FC’s wait for silverware looks set to stretch into a seventh straight season after a dramatic and painful exit from the Stanbic Uganda Cup at the hands of URA FC on Saturday.
The Lugogo-based side appeared firmly on course for a semifinal place, leading 2-0 with just six minutes left in the one-legged quarterfinal at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
However, a stunning late collapse saw URA claw their way back into the contest before eventually prevailing 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
KCCA had dominated proceedings for much of the game and showed early intent when Saidi Mayanja fired them ahead in the fourth minute.
Herbert Achayi then doubled the advantage with a beautifully struck free kick in the 54th minute, putting the competition’s 10-time winners in complete control.
But the game turned dramatically in the closing stages. Midfielder Innocent Kisolo sparked URA’s comeback with a long-range effort in the 85th minute, before defender Ronald Otti rose highest to head home a stoppage-time equaliser deep into added time, stunning KCCA players and fans alike.
Despite extra time failing to separate the two sides, the psychological blow of conceding late goals appeared to linger for KCCA in the shootout. Achayi and Enock Walusimbi both missed from the spot, their efforts comfortably saved by URA goalkeeper Muhammed Ssekeba. Only Joel Sserunjogi and Ashraf Mugume converted for KCCA.
URA, in contrast, held their nerve. David Ssemujju, Moses Aliro, Otti and Isma Mugulusi all converted their penalties, with only Disan Galiwango denied, as the Tax Collectors sealed progression to the semifinals.
The defeat heaps further pressure on KCCA’s co-coaches Brian Ssenyondo and Jackson Magera, with the Uganda Cup having represented their most realistic chance of ending the club’s prolonged trophy drought.
In the Uganda Premier League, KCCA remain third on 45 points, five behind leaders Vipers SC, with nine matches remaining.
KCCA last won a trophy in the 2018/2019 season under Mike Mutebi, winning the league title.
Since then, rivals including Vipers, Express, SC Villa, Kitara and BUL have all enjoyed success, leaving the once-dominant club searching for answers despite significant investment in players, technical staff and the stadium.
For URA, the victory provides a timely boost for head coach Hussein Mbalangu, who has faced scrutiny amid inconsistent league performances. Progress in the Uganda Cup now offers a genuine opportunity for redemption for the vocal tactician.
Elsewhere, holders Vipers booked their semifinal place with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over NEC FC following a goalless draw at Philip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Good Friday.
On Easter Sunday at Royals Park Stadium in Butema, Hoima City, George Ssenkaaba’s brace and Emmanuel Wasswa’s strike helped Kitara beat Express 3-0 to progress.
Attention now shifts to Easter Monday’s fixture, where SC Villa face surprise package Happy Boys in Kassanda for the final semifinal slot.