Football

Uganda Cup: NEC vs Vipers Match Officials deserve praise for Watambala incident

Published

2 months ago

April 6, 2026

The death and resurrection of Christ gifted Ugandan football lovers a compelling Uganda Cup Quarterfinal clash between defending champions Vipers SC and NEC FC.

At the time the fixture was announced, many anticipated a high-octane encounter between two of the most in-form sides, expected to deliver fireworks and send fans into the Easter weekend in high spirits. However, the match failed to live up to that billing.

Both regulation time and extra time produced little in terms of clear-cut excitement, ultimately leading to a penalty shootout, as provided for under Law 10 of the Laws of the Game and the competition regulations.

The defining moment of the match arose during the penalty shootout. Vipers SC’s Abdul Karim Watambala accidentally slipped while striking his penalty, resulting in an accidental double contact with the ball. The ball entered the goal, but the match referee, FIFA referee Lucky Razake Kasalirwe, assisted by FIFA Assistant Referee Hakim Mulindwa, Assistant Referee Ivan Lubwama (National Elite Referee), and Fourth Official Ronald Kikabi, correctly ordered a retake.

This decision sparked widespread debate among fans, many of whom questioned its correctness. However, a proper reading of the Laws of the Game as amended by IFAB for the 2025/2026 season provides clear guidance.

If a player taking a penalty kick accidentally touches the ball twice and the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken. If the ball does not enter the goal, it is not retaken and play is restarted with an indirect free kick to the opposing team (or recorded as a miss in kicks from the penalty mark). A deliberate double touch is always penalized with an indirect free kick and the kick is not retaken.

IFAB

This clarification was introduced in the 2025/2026 edition of the Laws to uphold fairness. It recognises that accidental actions such as slipping should not unjustly disadvantage a player, while still maintaining firm sanctions against deliberate attempts to gain an unfair advantage. In this instance, Watambala’s action was clearly accidental, and therefore, the decision to order a retake was fully in line with the law.

Another point of contention among supporters concerned the choice of the goal used for the shootout. Some argued that the selected end disadvantaged their team. However, the Laws are equally explicit on this matter.

If the scores are level at the end of the match and competition rules require a winner, the referee conducts a coin toss to decide which goal will be used for the kicks and which team will take the first kick. A second coin toss is then made, and the team that wins the toss chooses whether to take the first or second kick.

IFAB

This procedure, formally reinforced in 2017, was designed to enhance neutrality, eliminate external influences, and ensure fairness in determining the outcome of matches decided by kicks from the penalty mark.

In conclusion, the officiating team demonstrated commendable competence and adherence to the Laws of the Game. Fresh from their recent international engagements, referees Lucky Razake Kasalirwe and Hakim Mulindwa, Ivan Lubwama, and Ronald Kikabi deserve praise for correctly interpreting and applying the laws under pressure.

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Football

FUFA Big League 2025/26 climax: A thrilling final match day of the season anticipated

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Kenny Malone

FUFA Big League 2025/26: Match Day 30 Fixtures:

Saturday, 6th June 2026 (Kick off time is 3 PM)

Soltilo Bright Stars Vs Kataka – Kampala (Venue to be confirmed)
Nebbi Central Vs Paidha Black Angels – Luo stadium, Nebbi
Bunyaruguru United Vs Kaaro Karungi – Kasese
Kiyinda Boys Vs Ntugasaze – Mityana Ssaza ground
Onduparaka Vs Blacks Power – Ababet Green Light Stadium, Arua
Kigezi Homeboyz Vs CATDA – Al Madina Stadium, Kabale
Young Elephant Academy Vs Wakiso Giants – Elephants Park, Nwoya
Mbale Heroes Vs Iganga United – Mbale City stadium

The 2025/26 FUFA Big League season officially comes to a grand climax on Saturday, 6th June 2026.

Eight games are on card and each of the fixture is of equal relevance to the clubs in the box.

The overall champion of the season will be known, the fourth promoted club and all the four relegated clubs.

It is a battle for promotion to the Uganda Premier League for the remaining one slot that will be taken by either Eastern Uganda’s Kataka or West Nile party, Paidha Black Angels.

Equally, match day 30 will determine the champion of the league and the three other clubs to be demoted to the respective regional leagues to join already relegated Mbale Heroes.

Which is the fourth club to be promoted?

After the promotion of Kigezi Home Boyz, Blacks Power and Ntugasaze, there is one remaining slot to fight for.

This will go to either Kataka or Paidha Black Angels.

The main target will be to win our game and be assured of promotion to the top league. All the players are set for the task at hand.

Godfrey “Toldo” Awachango, Kataka Football Club head coach

With 48 points, Kataka visits Soltilo Bright Stars in Kampala on the final day seeking for maximum points.

On the other hand, Paidha Black Angels also need maximum points over fellow West Nile region side Nebbi Central at the Luo stadium with prayers that Kataka fails to win in Kampala.

Champions in waiting:

Either Kigezi Home Boyz or Blacks Power will emerge as champions for the season.

Blacks Power just needs a point from their away fixture over Onduparaka at the Ababet GreenLight Stadium to clinch the championship.

Onduparaka risks relegation if they lose with a probability that Kaaro Karungi, Soltilo Bright Stars, CATDA and Nebbi Central all win their last games.

Kigezi Home Boyz who host CATDA at the Al Madina Stadium in Kabale can also clinch the championship if they win at home and pray that Blacks Power falls in Arua to Onduparaka.

Relegation fight:

With Mbale Heroes already relegated; three more clubs shall be relegated after Saturday’s games.

Wakiso Giants (31), Soltilo Bright Stars (32), Kaaro Karungi (33), CATDA (34), Nebbi Central (34) and Onduparaka (35) are all engaged in the survival battle.

Bunyaruguru United entertains Kaaro Karungi in Kasese; Kiyinda Boys host Ntugasaze,

Kigezi Homeboyz entertains CATDA in Kabale, Young Elephant Academy hosts Wakiso Giants at the Elephants Park, Nwoya and Mbale Heroes will bid farewell to the FUFA Big League against Iganga United at the Mbale City stadium.

The four promoted clubs will join the StarTimes Uganda Premier League for the season 2026/27.

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Football

Nakaseke District 5th Division 2026 football league eyes tense climax

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Bryce Mullins

Nakaseke District Footbal Association (NDFA) 5th Division 2026 league

Week 10 Fixtures:

Kapeke BB Vs Kikandwa War Memorial – Butikwa Playground
Semuto United Vs Kikamulo United – Semuto Church of Uganda playground
Mpwedde United Vs Mijinje United – Nakaseke International playground

*All games kick off at 4:00 PM

The Nakaseke District Football Association (NDFA) 5th division league comes to a grand climax this Sunday, 7th June 2026 with three games.

Week 10 has three enticing matches at various venues.

Table leaders Kikamulo United visit Semuto United at the Semuto Church of Uganda playground.

Kikamulo United has 20 points coming to this fixture, two better than Semuto United who are joint second alongside Kapeke BB.

The likes of Dan Kisakye, James Katumba and Midu Mukwaya, among others remain key actors for Kikamulo United in their title pursuit.

Kapeke BB will at the same time host Kikandwa War Memorial at the Butikwa Playground.

In the bottom of the table clash, Mpwedde United (6 points) host Mijinje United (1 point) at the Nakaseke International playground.

Already Nakaseke United could not complete the league and was relegated to the 6th division league.

Sponsors and partners:

The league is proudly sponsored by Hon. Allan Mayanja Sebunya, Speed Sports Concept, Harriet Namukwaya and Nakaseke Local Government.

Match Day 9 Results:

Mijinje United 0-3 Kikamulo United
Semuto United 2-0 Kikandwa War Memorial
Mpwedde 1-4 Kapeke BB

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Football

Ghana’s final squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup named

Published

3 days ago

June 2, 2026

Kenny Malone

Ghana’s Head Coach Carloz Queiroz has named his final 26-man squad for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and United States.

After days of intensive preparations in Cardiff, Wales, Queiroz was able to trim te team down to 26 that will represent Ghana at the global stage.

Tottenham forward Mohammed Kudus misses out due to an injury. He was expected to return in March from a quad injury suffered in January but suffered a setback and has not featured since.

Ghana will play against Wales in Cardiff on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before flying out to Washington to continue preparations for the World Cup that kicks off on June 11, 2026.

The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England and Croatia in their Group L matches.

Goalkeepers:

Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang

Defenders:

Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Derrick Luckassen

Midfielders:

Elisha Owusu, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamal Deen Sulemana

Forwards:

Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew.

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