Connect with us

Football

URA eliminate KCCA, progresses to Uganda Cup semifinals

Published

on

Uganda Cup 2025/26 (Quarterfinal)            

  • URA 2 (4) – 2 (2) KCCA

URA Football Club recovered from two goals down to outsmart KCCA FC and march to the semifinals of the 2025/26 Stanbic Uganda Cup at Hamz Stadium (Nakivubo War Memorial grounds) on Saturday.

Normal time of this enticing duel ended 2-goals apiece before the additional 30 minutes of extra time failed to produce any further goals.

During the tense shootout, URA won 4-2 with goalkeeper Muhammed Ssekebba saving two penalties.

Joseph Ssemujju, Captain Moses Aliro Okabo, Ronald Otti and Isma Mugulusi scored for URA in the post-match penalties as Dissan Galiwango missed his shot.

KCCA scored through Joel Sserunjogi and Ashraf Mugume, whilst Herbert Achayi and Enock Walusimbi’s weak shots were saved by goalkeeper Ssekebba.

URA and KCCA in action at Hamz Stadium during the second quarter final of the 2025/26 Stanbic Uganda Cup | Credit: URA FC Media

In the 90 minutes, Saidi Mayanja and captain Herbert Achai scored for KCCA whilst John Innocent Kisolo and Ronald Otti replied for URA under sunny weather conditions.

John Innocent Kisolo scored the first of URA’s goals before defender Ronald Otti got the equaliser on the stroke of full-time with a glancing header.

Mayanja set the ball rolling with an early goal in four minutes to light the ball rolling for the Lugogo-based side.

Joseph Ssemujju, Ronald Otti and Olimi Nyarwa in celebrations | Credit: John Batanudde

URA called for a first-half change when midfielder Hudu Mulikyi paved the way for Isma Mugulusi.

KCCA’s Joel Sserunjogi picked up a caution for tripping down Fred Amaku.

Achayi executed a decent free-kick over the wall and past the diving goalkeeper Muhammed Ssekebba to double KCCA’s lead on 54 minutes.

Herbert Achayi and Joseph Ssemujju in action at Hamz stadium | Credit: KCCA FC Media

URA called for a double change in the 64th minute. Bruno Bunyaga and Norman Namanya replaced Moses Waiswa and James Penz Begisa, respectively.

The second water break of the game happened at the 70th minute mark before John Innocent Kisolo received a caution for a foul on Jjara.

KCCA called for a double change; Saidi Mayanja paved way for Ashraf Mugume, and Rogers Mugisha came on for Alex Yiga.

On the 84th minute mark, John Innocent Kisolo scored from 45 yards with a long-range shot that evaded goalkeeper Mutwalibu Mugolofa to give hope for the tax collectors.

Inside the final five minutes, URA brought on the fresh legs of Olimi Nyarwa Bitanywaine for Fred Amaku.

At the same time, Ivan Ahimisibwe came off for Emmanuel Anyama and Sammy Ssebaduka was rested for Sharifu Ssengendo.

URA players and coaches celebrate their victory | Credit: John Batanudde

URA pushed numbers upfront in a desperate quest to find the equaliser, a move that handsomely paid off.

Otti out-jumped the KCCA defenders to nod home the equaliser in the third of the four added minutes to send the game to extra time of 30 minutes.

In the second half of extra time, Olimi was stretchered off after a knock and moments later, Ashraf Mugume missed a big moment to bury the game, but his first touch on the ball disappointed him.

KCCA’s Sharifu Ssengendo collided with an opponent and was stretchered off for Hudson Mezui.

Mezui had a cross blocked in the last piece of action of extra time before penalties were taken.

Muhammed Ssekeba saves a penalty from Herbert Achayi | Credit: John Batanudde

How the penalties unfolded:

URA took the first penalty, scoring through Joseph Ssemujju. Joel Sserunjogi replied for KCCA with the equalizer.

Dissan Galiwango missed his kick, saved by goalkeeper Mutwalibu Mugolofa. Herbert Achayi’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Muhammed Ssekeba.

Mutwalibu Mugolofa saves a penalty from Dissan Galiwango | Credit: John Batanudde

URA captain Moses Aliro Okabo sent Mugolofa the wrong way to give the tax collectors the lead 2-1.

Ashraf Mugume equalized 2-all. Defender Ronald Otti restored URA’s lead 3-2.

Enock Walusimbi missed his kick, another save by Ssekebba. URA now remained with one chance: to score and win the contest.

Isma Mugulusi did exactly that, sending Mugolofa the wrong way to stroll URA through to the semi-finals.

URA joins Vipers in the semifinals. Vipers defeated NEC 4-3 in post-match penalties after a goalless draw in normal time at the MTN Omondi Stadium.

There were wild celebrations from the URA players, officials and fans in the stands with agony for KCCA.

The third quarter final of the 52nd Stanbic Uganda Cup will happen on Easter Sunday as Kitara hosts Express at the Butema Royal Park in Hoima city.

On Easter Monday, Sports Club Villa travels to Kassanda District to face Happy Boys Kagaba.

URA Football Club XI Vs KCCA | Credit: URA FC Media

Team Line Ups:

URA XI: Muhamad Ssekkeba (G.K), James Penz Begisa, Dissan Galiwango, Ronald Otti, Joseph Bright Vuni, John Innocent Kisolo, Hudu Mulikyi, Moses Waiswa Ndhondhi, Joseph Ssemujju, Moses Aliro Okabo (Captain), Fred Amaku

Subs: Chrispas Kusiima (G.K), Derrick Ochan (G.K), Justine Opiro, Joshua Lubwama Letti, Ibrahim Wamannah, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Norman Namanya, Isma Mugulusi, Bruno Junior Bunyaga, Derrick Kakooza, Godfrey Ssekibengo, Olimi Nyarwa Bitanywaine

Head coach: Hussein Mbalangu

KCCA XI: Mutwalibu Mugolofa (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Filbert Obenchan, Herbert Achayi, Enock Walusimbi, Jjara, Sammy R. Ssebaduka, Joel Sserunjogi, Alex Yiga, Saidi Mayanja, Ivan Ahimbisibwe

Subs: Charles Lukwago, Emojong, Mezui, Emmanuel Anyama, Muhamud Hassan, Etienne Katenga, Alpha Thierry Ssali, Yuan, Rogers Mugisha, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Sharifu Ssengendo, Ashraf Mugume

Co-coaches: Brian Ssenyondo & Jackson Magera

URA and KCCA captains with the match officials prior to kick off | Credit: URA FC Media

Center Referee: William Oloya

The post URA eliminate KCCA, progresses to Uganda Cup semifinals appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Football

KCCA Women bank on home advantage against St Noa

Published

on

The air at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo is thick with anticipation this Saturday afternoon as KCCA FC Women lock horns with St Noa Girls Zana FC in a high-stakes Matchday Two encounter of the 2026/27 FUFA Women’s Super League.

Scheduled for a 4 pm kickoff, this early season contest carries the heavy weight of championship ambition, tactical intrigue, and the unyielding competitive energy of Uganda’s top flight women’s football. Crucially, both sides step onto the pitch carrying maximum points from the opening weekend, setting the stage for an explosive battle.

The Kasasiro Ladies return to their familiar home surroundings hoping to make it two wins from two, aiming to cement their status as early title contenders. Last weekend, KCCA made a resounding opening statement by brushing aside URA Ladies FC 3-0 away from home in a clinical display that seamlessly combined sharp transitions with defensive solidity.

Looking ahead to Saturday, the KCCA FC Women head coach Hamza Lutalo made the team’s objective crystal clear;

“We have prepared well for our second match, and we want to go into the break with 6 points. We continued to add to our squad, and the good players don’t stress you as a coach, and I can guarantee you will see those good players against St. Noa Girls, and I know they will add some energy to the team.”

The manager also stressed the psychological boost of their opening triumph;

“If we want to compete in the League, we have to win our home games. Winning our away game against URA FC Women gave us a lot of energy, and we shall do everything possible to win our game at home.”

Adding to KCCA’s tactical depth is new recruit Yuster Kayesu, who provides a potent fresh option in both the attacking and midfield areas as the club continues to bolster its roster. Kayesu is eager to make an immediate impact if given the nod;

“If I am given a chance to play, I promise to create an impact on the game against St Noa Girls, to command the midfield and to help my fellow players to achieve so that the team wins. I want to score and assist and promise to do my best.”

KCCA’s lofty ambitions will face a stern, uncompromising test from a St Noa Girls side that also began the campaign on a winning note. St Noa edged She Corporate FC 1-0 on Matchday one, displaying the defensive resilience and tactical discipline that could prove deeply frustrating for KCCA’s energetic attackers.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Lugogo, St Noa central defender Barbra Anomo radiated quiet confidence;

“Tomorrow we have our second game in the first round of the league. We are also well prepared. The coaches have given us a lot. We have prepared enough to make sure that we win tomorrow’s game. And we believe that we can make it.”

Teammate Brenda Nassaka echoed that sentiment, insisting St Noa’s approach will remain completely unchanged regardless of the opponent’s pedigree;

“Every game is different, but our mentality stays the same. We want to compete, enjoy our football and most importantly, we want the three points.”

Saturday’s tie is projected to evolve into a fascinating tactical chess match. KCCA are expected to stretch the pitch and utilize pace on the flanks to try and break down what will likely be a resolute St Noa low block. 

Conversely, the visitors will look to stay intensely organised, leverage their physical presence inside the box, and exploit open spaces through lightning-fast counterattacks.

With both sides sitting neatly on three points, this Matchday two fixture carries vastly more weight and an invaluable early glimpse into whether either side can successfully sustain the punishing momentum required for a gruelling title challenge over a long and demanding campaign.

Matchday Two Fixtures 

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | All matches kick off at 4 pm

  • KCCA Women FC Vs St Noa Girls Zana FC -Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
  • Jinja United WFC Vs She Corporate FC – Iganga Ssaza Ground
  • She Maroons FC Vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC -Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku

Sunday, September 27, 2026 | All matches kick off at 4 pm

  • Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC Vs Rines SS WFC -Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
  • Amus College WFC Vs Lady Doves FC – Amus Stadium, Bukedea
  • URA Ladies FC Vs Makerere University WFC -Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo

The post KCCA Women bank on home advantage against St Noa appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Continue Reading

Football

AFCON 2027 PAMOJA Qualifiers: Rwanda see off Liberia in Kigali

Published

on

Rwanda made a brilliant start to their AFCON 2027 PAMOJA qualification campaign after defeating Liberia in their first group game on Friday.

The Amavubi Stars cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win over Liberia at the Amahoro Stadium to take early charge in Group K.

Abeddy Biramahire, Mickels Leroy Jacques and Mickels Joy Lance scored a goal each for Rwanda while Sylvanus Nimely got the consolation for Liberia.

Biramahire fired Rwanda into an early lead, scoring just after two minutes before Leroy doubled the advantage three minutes after the half hour mark.

Nimely pulled one back for Liberia five minutes later but Rwanda once again pulled away with the third goal from Lance who converted from the spot to restore the two-goal cushion.

The second half was largely about protecting the lead from the home side despite efforts from Liberia to search for more goals.

In the same group, Mali takes on Cape Verde later on today in Bamako.

On matchday two, Rwanda will make a long trip to face Cape Verde while Liberia will be at home to Mali.

The post AFCON 2027 PAMOJA Qualifiers: Rwanda see off Liberia in Kigali appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Continue Reading

Football

Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom

Published

on

Nigerian has reached its “worst time” in history, according to former captain Segun Odegbami, who has called for fundamental changes across the country’s football system.

  • Odegbami made the remarks in an interview with BBC Sport Africa, where he highlighted concerns ranging from the national teams and domestic league to grassroots development, administration and football infrastructure.

His assessment comes as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against in Uyo.

Nigerian football crisis

Odegbami believes the challenges facing Nigerian football extend beyond the recent struggles of the Super Eagles and reflect wider problems within the country’s football structure.

Nigeria missed out on the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, while the country’s women’s and age-grade national teams, as well as clubs competing in continental competitions, have also experienced setbacks in recent years.

“It has never been this bad in our entire history,” Odegbami told BBC Sport Africa.

The former striker, who was part of Nigeria’s 1980 -winning team, also expressed concern about the financial health of the domestic game.

“Our local league is not bringing in money. Something is definitely wrong,” he said.

Nigerian football and leadership

Odegbami also questioned the leadership and administration of Nigerian football, arguing that the problems cannot be addressed simply by changing individuals in positions of authority.

His comments come amid significant developments within the Nigeria Football Federation, with the federation facing discussions over governance and proposed reforms involving the National Sports Commission, FIFA and .

The election scheduled for September 27 has also been suspended as the reform process continues.

For Odegbami, the country needs a football structure capable of addressing problems across every level of the game.

“The pilots are not guiding us well,” he said.

Nigerian football needs a clear pathway

Another major concern raised by Odegbami is the lack of a consistent long-term philosophy for developing Nigerian football.

He questioned the country’s approach to coaching, talent identification and player development, while also pointing to the weakening link between grassroots football, academies, clubs and the national teams.

According to the former international, Nigeria must rebuild the pathway through which young players are identified, developed and eventually integrated into professional football.

That pathway has historically played a major role in producing players who have gone on to make significant contributions to Nigerian and international football.

Nigerian football and fading infrastructure

Odegbami also drew attention to the deterioration of football infrastructure across the country.

He referenced the National Stadium in Lagos, the former Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna and UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar as venues that once played important roles in Nigerian football.

He described the damage to the country’s football heritage as “irreparable”.

While the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo has become a regular home venue for the Super Eagles, Odegbami argued that Nigeria once had a wider network of facilities that played a more significant role in the development and promotion of the game.

Nigerian football at a crossroads

The former Super Eagles captain’s comments come at a significant period for Nigerian football, with the national team beginning another qualifying campaign while discussions over reforms to the administration and development of the sport continue.

Odegbami believes the challenge extends beyond whether the Super Eagles qualify for another major tournament.

He believes Nigeria needs to rebuild the entire football ecosystem, from grassroots development and academies to professional clubs, national teams, administration and infrastructure.

The post Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Continue Reading

Trending