Wananchi lead as Hockey Uganda Cup semis set for October 17

Wananchi Sports Club, the defending champions of the Hockey Uganda Cup, overturned the first-leg deficit to beat Kampala HC 5-0 away in the second leg of the quarter-final encounter to secure a place in the semi-finals.

This was in the men's event that qualified six teams for the quarter-final stage, with two legs played to determine the best loser to qualify for the semi-final.

Kampala had defeated Wananchi 3-2 in the first leg, but the defending champions produced a dominant performance in the return leg to progress to the last four.

Wananchi players Jackson Musinguzi (left) and Emmanuel Baguma (right) celebrate a goal during their 5-0 victory over Kampala HC in the second leg of the Uganda Cup quarter-final at Lugogo. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Wananchi coach Innocent Raskara attributed the turnaround to experience and the return of key players who had missed the first leg while representing Uganda at the East African Games in Tanzania.

"We had to use experience to come back after losing the first leg when many of our young players were in the East African Games in Tanzania. We realized they had their second goalkeeper, and we capitalized on scoring from the short corners," said Raskara.

"We are looking at the semi-final in October, but our concentration now turns to the league."

Jackson Musinguzi and Shafik Byamukama scored two goals each, while player-coach Innocent Raskara added the fifth goal.

Kampala HC coach Markthum Muziransa conceded defeat and blamed his players for failing to defend penalty corners effectively.

Wananchi striker Jackson Musinguzi (on the ball) takes on Kampala HC defender James Byakagaba during the Hockey Uganda Cup quarter-final at Lugogo. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

"We conceded four goals through penalty corners. The players became complacent after winning 3-2 against Wananchi in the first leg," said Muziransa.

However, Kampala's possible qualification for the semi-finals as the best loser remains uncertain. Hockey Uganda Assistant General Secretary Joshua Masawi said the technical committee will determine the matter in accordance with the tournament rules. "The best loser between Kampala HC and Originals will be determined according to the rules of the tournament," said Masawi.

Elsewhere, Rockets edged Originals 2-1 after the two sides had drawn 1-1 in the first leg, while Weatherhead maintained their dominance over Badgers with another 3-0 victory after a similar scoreline in the opening leg.

The Hockey Uganda Cup semi-finals are scheduled to begin on October 17, with the first leg set for that date.

Hockey Uganda Cup – Second Leg Results

Kampala HC 0 Wananchi SC 5

Originals 1 Rockets 2

Weatherhead 3 Badgers 0