Vipers, KCCA target progress as Uganda Cup round of 64 gets underway

The Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 64 has over the years built a reputation for producing major upsets, with non-league sides frequently dumping out Uganda Premier League (UPL) and FUFA Big League (FBL) teams.

That history looms large again as defending champions Vipers, joint-record winners KCCA, UPDF, BUL and Buhimba United Saints all negotiate potentially tricky away fixtures today, keen to avoid an embarrassing early exit.

The Venoms, who have enjoyed a blistering start to the UPL season and currently hold a commanding six-point advantage after 14 matches, travel north to Lira City to face stubborn Northern Gateway FC at the Lira UTC Grounds. Despite their impressive league form, the Kitende based side will be wary of the dangers posed by a motivated lower-tier opponent on unfamiliar terrain.

Last season’s runners-up KCCA are in Masindi for a showdown with St George at Masindi Stadium. They cannot afford complacency, especially with Vipers looking increasingly dominant in the league. The Kasasiro Boys are enduring a seven-year trophy drought; therefore, the Uganda Cup presents a realistic route to silverware which makes this encounter crucial.

Three-time winning coach of this competition, Alex Isabirye leads BUL to North Eastern Uganda, where they will face Agape FC at the Kotido Playground. BUL’s experience in the competition will be tested against an underdog eager to make a statement on home soil.

Express also face a challenging trip to the West Nile region, where they take on Pakwach YoungStars at St Mary Bar Omach. The Red Eagles will be determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s humiliation, having been eliminated at the same stage by West Nile side Total FC.

UPDF makes a short journey from Bombo to Kampala to face Nsambya FC at the Nsambya Yes Centre Arena. However, given their inconsistent league form, the army side could find it difficult to overcome a spirited home team.

Buhimba United Saints complete the list of top-flight sides on the road, travelling to Ngora to face Tapoh FC at Kapir Primary School Grounds.

Stanbic Uganda Cup

Round of 64

Today, 3pm

Northern Gateway v Vipers

St George Masindi v KCCA

Agape FC Kotido v BUL

Busia Young Stars v Mbarara City

Tapoh v Buhimba United Saints

Nsambya v UPDF

Young Stars v Express

Six’ O’clock v Mbale Heroes

Tomorrow

Football Classroom v Calvary

Ombachi Pride v Entebbe UPPC

Obule v Earth Quake v Kitara

Kisugu Utd v Lugazi

Paliisa Hospital v SC Villa

Mabira T/C v NEC

Mairye Utd v Police

Patongo Utd v URA

Paidha Utd v Maroons