Uganda Cup: New Vision advance to round of 32

UGANDA CUP

Friends of Soccer 0  New Vision FC  1 (Anywa 5')


New Vision FC have progressed to the round of 32 of the Uganda Cup after dumping Friends of Soccer out of the competition on Saturday.

The visitors enjoyed a 1-0 victory over the Fort Portal-based side, thanks to a brilliant Philip Anywa strike.

Anywa received a cute pass from Harunah Nyombi and looped the goalkeeper to slot home. It was his first ever goal for New Vision.

The win offers a clearer illustration of debutants New Vision's determination to trudge on.

Despite taking an early lead - within five minutes of the opening half - the Kampala-based outfit pushed to multiply their tally but the hosts remained resolute.

Friends of Soccer, enjoying home support, proved dominant in midfield but inadequacies in the attack cost them dearly.

Just before the break, goal-scorer Anywa had to be replaced by Shaban Lubega after being elbowed in the head.

Strangely, Lubega also later had to come off the pitch and give way for Moses Kafuluuma after suffering a similar knock - a big blow to the visiting team.

 
The home side came into the second half a much brighter side and pushed hard for an equalizer, but captain Hussein Bukenya's solid backline offered no way through.

Friends of Soccer created many opportunities against their opponents who managed only one shot on target.

But the visitors held on to seal an important victory. Next, they will travel to Busia to face Busia Fisheries FC who beat Seeta United on penalties (4-5).


REACTIONS

New Vision skipper Bukenya thanked his side for their spirit against an equally-strong team.

"However much the opponents dominated the second half, we managed to defend in numbers, which showed team work.

"No win is bad as long as the result is positive," he said.

Team manager Kato Kawuma thanked the players for having the champion's spirit of winning a "tight and physical" game.

New Vision assistant coach Cyrus Kizito, representing coach Abdallah Mubiru, was content with the result, saying it was a hard-fought win from the boys.

"We have seen the mistakes and we are going to fix them in the next match. Although we haven't played well especially in the second half, the most important thing is there is no bad win."

Friends of Soccer head coach Golle Muhammad said the "best team lost the game".

"Although we have lost, the boys did all their best but the opponents were disciplined in their defense."