Until the 70th minute, it was an entertaining game between league Champions URA FC and record league champions SC.Villa at Lugazi Municipal stadium in the Bell Uganda Cup quarter finals.
The hosts were leading 3-1 at the moment courtesy of two first half goals by Robert Ssentongo and Feni Ali Moses before Allan Owiny added the third from the penalty spot in the 69th minute. Villa’s only goal was a free kick by Kasadha Lawrence.
Ssentongo netted early in the first minute from a free
kick after Isaac Muleme fouled Said Kyeyune. Kasadha equalised for the blues in the 6th minute from a similar situation after Sam Mubiru fouled Noah Ssemakula near the 18 yard box. In the 36th minute, Moses Ali Feni beat Villa’s off side trap to score URA’s second to finish the half with a lead.
After recess, Bengo Steven came on for Muwadda Mawejje and a few minutes later Herman Wasswa was withdrawn for Ssembatya Geofrey. At the that time, URA FC resorted to a counter attacking game and it paid off as former Villa player Robert Ssentongo again beat the off side trap to lay a brilliant ball for Moses Feni who was brought down by Kasadha and referee Mufta Fred pointed to the spot.
From then on, the fans began throwing stones at assistant referee Sam Kayondo but the situation cooled and Allan Owinyi converted the penalty in the 68th minute to make it 3-1 to URA FC. The game only went on for two minutes and the rowdy Villa fans led by a one Tito now escalated the stone throwing forcing police, army and other security personnel to fire tear gas, live and rubber bullets to disperse the rowdy fans arresting one.
The police went on to fire tear gas even on the playing field forcing players, match officials, team officials and journalists to flee to dressing rooms. However, Newvision’s Diego Nsubuga was hit by a stray rubber bullet on the head and rushed to Kawolo Hospital where he is still in a critical condition.
URA FC goal keeping Coach Sadiq Wassa was also hit on the buttocks. The situation cooled later and URA FC players returned to the pitch but Villa players claimed they couldn’t play and headed to their team bus before team manager Peter Nsaba made it official in writing and handed the copy to match commissioner Masembe Charles. After consultation, referee Mufta ended the game and let URA FC players leave the pitch. We await FUFA competitions committee decision but it looks clear URA FC will advance to the semis to meet Masaka LC.
