SC Villa within touching distance of Uganda Cup final after win over URA
The nine-time winners were the better side throughout the contest and deservedly took the lead in the 24th minute through Najib Yiga.
SC Villa's Najib Yiga (center) is joined by teammates in celebrating his goal against URA FC during the first leg of the Uganda Cup semifinals at the Hamz Stadium, May 4, 2025. URA won 2-0. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Stanbic Uganda Cup
Semifinal
First leg results
URA 0 SC Villa 2
Kitara 0 Vipers 0
SC Villa moved within touching distance of the Stanbic Uganda Cup final after securing a convincing 2-0 victory over URA FC in the first leg of their semifinal clash on Monday night at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The nine-time winners were the better side throughout the contest and deservedly took the lead in the 24th minute through Najib Yiga. The forward calmly finished off a slick attacking move involving Patrick Jonah Kakande and Hassan Mubiru, with the latter providing the final pass for Yiga to beat URA goalkeeper Chrispas Kusiima.
Villa dominated the opening half and could have taken an even healthier advantage into the break, but Frank Ssebuufu, Yiga, and Mubiru all failed to convert clear scoring opportunities.
URA, under coach Hussein Mbalangu, once again struggled to impose themselves in the opening stages and offered little threat going forward, leaving Villa goalkeeper David Lukwago largely untested.
The Tax Collectors improved after the break and showed more attacking intent late in the second half, but Villa remained solid defensively thanks to David Owori, Geoffrey Lubangkene and Raymond Barasa who ensured that no trouble got to their goalkeeper.
The Jogoos then doubled their advantage in stoppage time through an unfortunate own goal by URA substitute Moses Aliro. Pressured by Villa substitute Andrew Otim, Aliro attempted a back pass to Kusiima, but the goalkeeper failed to control it as the ball rolled into the net.
SC Villa's goalkeeper Richard Lukwago makes a save against URA FC during a Uganda Cup match at the Hamz Stadium, May 4, 2026. Villa won 2-0. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Villa now carries a strong 2-0 advantage into the return leg set for later this month at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, where they only need to avoid defeat to book a place in the final for the first time in 11 years.
In the other semifinal, holders Vipers SC were held to a goalless draw by Kitara in Hoima, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.