Soana dump Free Stars out of Uganda Cup

Soana FC have eliminated Free Stars FC from the Uganda Cup by 3-1 on penalties in the round of 64.

By the full-time whistle, the game was fixed in a deadlock at UCU grounds in Mukono and had to be decided by spot-kicks.

Bate Grace, Ronald Kasango and Aklamu Muzanyi failed to convert their penalties while Joshua Kirathe was the only successful penalty taker for the home side.

Simon Okwi, Simba Geoffrey and Ibrahim Kizza's were successful to take Soana through to the round of 32.

The regional league hosts had hoped to eject their premier league opponents who would be playing their first game this year since the league took a break.

But it was a case of wastefulness in front of goal for the Free Stars as they should have taken an early lead against the visitors who looked rusty.

Joshua Kirathe dangerous free-kick was tipped over for a corner just before the break.

Simon Okwi was a constant menace to the Mukono-based outfit but his lethal attacks were often extinguished by a solid home backline.

Soana half-time pep talk. (Credit: Fred Kyambadde)

Free Stars strategize at halftime. (Credit: Fred Kyambadde)

 

The hosts returned from the break with more attacking threat and confidence but still failed to make it count.

Free Stars will have felt they should have seen off their higher ranked rivals who had a below par show but 90 minutes so no winner, forcing the game to penalties.

 

What they said

Soana FC head coach Charles Ayeikho: "We have trained for only one week since we got a break so we were struggling fitness-wise but let's go and prepare for the next season."

Free Stars head coach William Kyeswa: "The boys have done all their best, we have lost honorably because everybody can lose in penalties."