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URA eliminate KCCA, progresses to Uganda Cup semifinals

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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.

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Football

Alex Yiga sets sights high after joining URA FC

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Newly signed URA FC winger Alex Yiga says he is fully committed to giving his all to help the Tax Collectors achieve their target after wrapping up his move from KCCA FC.

The versatile forward sealed a two-year contract on deadline day, becoming the latest addition to Head Coach Jimmy Kintu Mwera’s side ahead of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season.

Speaking to the club’s media following his unveiling, the former Uganda Cubs international expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to join the four-time league champions.

“I am very happy to join URA FC and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this great club. I am ready to work hard, learn and continue improving as a player,” Yiga stated.

With competition for places expected to be fierce in URA’s renewed attacking unit, the young attacker emphasised his intent to support the team’s ambitions on the pitch.

“I know the club has important targets this season, and I want to play my part in helping the team achieve them. I will give my best in training and whenever I get the opportunity to represent URA FC,” he added.

Yiga’s arrival offers Coach Kintu significant tactical flexibility in the final third, with the attacker comfortable operating on either flank or through the centre.

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FKF appeals to Kenyan judiciary to unlock football stalemate

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FKF president addressing the press in Nairobi on Monday, September 21, 2026. Photo courtesy: FKF

The new Premier League season was scheduled to kick off on September 19, but a late court order halted the commencement of the competition amid a promotion and relegation dispute.

Bonface Osano, Marabou News Agency

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) leadership has appealed to the Kenyan Judiciary to help resolve the legal stalemate that has stalled the start of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season.

In an address to the nation on Monday, September 21, 2026, FKF president Hussein Mohammed appealed to Chief Justice Martha Koome to intervene and ensure that court processes are not abused to the detriment of Kenyan football.

“I hereby plead with the Judiciary and the President, the Chief Justice Martha Koome, to understand the unique situation we operate in and disallow abuse of processes that ultimately harm all Kenyans,” Hussein pleaded.

The new FKF Premier League season was scheduled to kick off on September 19, but a late court order halted the commencement of the competition amid a promotion and relegation dispute involving FKF, Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United.

The dispute centres on whether Mombasa United should be admitted as the 18th team in the league or play off against Kariobangi Sharks for a place in the top flight.

Kenya’s Sports Act 2013 established the Sports Disputes Tribunal, or SDT, to hear and determine sports-related disputes. However, jurisdictional overlaps have seen some stakeholders turn to the High Court to challenge or seek stays of decisions made by the Tribunal.

Hussein says the resulting legal uncertainty has significant consequences for the football ecosystem.

“While access to justice is a fundamental right, repetitive, calculated, and contradictory legal interventions on the eve of competitions cause immense financial and emotional harm. They disrupt club planning, athlete livelihoods, losses for vendors, broadcasters, and commercial partners. Football dispute resolution must balance legal rights with the stability required to run a functional national league,” he said.

However, FKF has itself faced criticism over its use of the High Court on previous occasions to challenge or seek stays of decisions that have gone against the federation.

Hussein is now calling for football disputes to be resolved through the sport’s internal dispute-resolution mechanisms, as provided for under FIFA, CAF and FKF statutes.

“For this reason, FIFA, CAF, and FKF statutes do not allow football-related disputes to be prosecuted in ordinary courts. We must immediately revert to internal dispute resolution mechanisms within the football administrative structures if we are to protect the growth, integrity and development of the game.”

The FKF Premier League remains suspended as the federation engages the affected parties and explores a legal resolution to the dispute.

Marabou News Agency

The post FKF appeals to Kenyan judiciary to unlock football stalemate appeared first on Sports Network Africa.

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Tanzania edge Burundi to qualify for U-20 AFCON

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2026 CECAFA U-20 championship (AFCON U-20 Qualifiers)

  • Semifinal 2: Tanzania 2-0 Burundi
  • Semifinal 1: Uganda 2-3 Sudan

Tanzania took the second CECAFA Zone slot to the AFCON U-20 finals, joining Sudan at next year’s fiesta in Accra, Ghana.

This was after a 2-0 victory over Burundi in the semifinal of the CECAFA U-20 Championship at the Uhuru Stadium, Dar es Salaam, on Tuesday evening.

Juma Abushiri and Faraji Kayanda scored the goals that inspired Mario Rivera Campesino’s charges.

Tanzania players sing the national anthem | Credit: David Isabirye

Abushiri, a player at Young Africans Sports Club, scored directly from a corner kick past Burundi goalkeeper Omari Niyonkuru on the opening quarter-hour mark.

Simba’s Bashiri Salum Kibaila set up Dodoma Jiji’s Kayanda for the second goal in the 33rd minute to establish a 2-0 lead.

From then on, Tanzania played a cautious game and maintained the lead to progress to the final for Thursday’s final against Sudan.

The final will be preceded by the bronze medal match between Uganda and Burundi.

Uganda lost 3-2 to Sudan in the other semifinal.

Tanzania U20 XI Vs Burundi | Credit: David Isabirye

Team Lineups:

Tanzania XI: Shabano Bakari (G.K.), Ismail Ally, Abubakar Othman, Shomvi Rajabu (Captain), Faraji Kayanda, Bashiri Salum Kibaila, Farid Mzalendo, Ahmad Ahmad, Abdulnassir Abdallah, Juma Abushiri, Evastus Lukanima

Subs: Telvin Mfuse (G.K), Roony Gerry, Abdallah Mnumba, Arafat Masoud, Kelvin Revokatus, Jofrey Malecha, Machela Machela, Juma Sagwe, Omar Mdachi

Head coach: Mario Riveria Campesino (Spain)

Burundi U20 XI vs Tanzania | Credit: David Isabirye

Burundi XI: Omari Niyonkuru (G.K.), Radjabu Nzeyimana, Cadeau Ndayishimye, Sympathique Majidi, Abedi Irakoze, Amini Nshimirimana (Captain), Ali-Ali Sadiki, Dieudonne Ndikumana, Abdallah Ndikumana, Roy Amissi, Ally Magambo

Subs: Papy Victoire Mude (G.K.), Djibane Kwizera, Lionel Bigirimana, Abdoul Rahim Ndizeye, Yussuf Nshimirimana, Aubin Ntwari, Jacques Irankunda, Theogene Minani, Hamissi Nahimana

Head coach: Jean De Dieu Rukundo (Burundi)

Tanzania U20 and Burundi U20 captains with the match officials | Credit: David Isabirye

Match officials:

  • Referee: Ephrame Debele Kabeta (Ethiopia)
  • Assistant Referee 1: Abobakr Abdalbagi Ahmed Abofalg (Sudan)
  • Assistant Referee 2: Mustefa Meki Mohammed (Ethiopia)
  • Fourth official: Amro Alsayed Mohammed (Sudan)
  • Commissioner: Amir Hassan (Somalia)
  • General Coordinator: Francois Regis Uwayezu (Rwanda)

The post Tanzania edge Burundi to qualify for U-20 AFCON appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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