Maroons Football Club secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over West Nile regional league side Paidha United SC in the 2026 Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 64 on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Bar Okoro Stadium in Zombo District.
Defensive midfielder Brian Nkuubi Ssemakula netted the first goal for the Uganda Premier League outfit, while substitute striker Dickson Nuwamanya Kiyanga added his name to the scoresheet, propelling Maroons into the next round of the knockout competition.
Paidha United mounted a late rally to keep the tie alive, with striker Ronie Franko capitalizing on a defensive error from Maroons’ captain Edward Kabona to slot home a slow-paced consolation goal past the visiting keeper in the closing stages.
Maroons’ assistant coach Simon Peter Ojok acknowledged his side’s scrappy performance, admitting they were outmuscled and dominated in midfield by Paidha United’s physical approach, yet praised the team’s resilience in grinding out the win.
Capitalizing on the early goal strategy we had was difficult because our buildup transition was difficult because the opponent was playing more physical game, more aerial balls which affected our strategy.
Simon Peter Ojok, Maroons assistant coach
Meanwhile, Paidha United coach Edward Rothomio hailed his players’ spirited display against an established top-flight side, commending their effort and noting that the cup clash served as valuable preparation for upcoming regional league fixtures.
This Uganda cup has built our capacity to see a way forward on how we shall start with the regional second round, since we are in the relegation zone.
Edward Rothomio, Paidha United coach
Maroons FC, the prison services-affiliated institution club is currently sitting ninth in the Uganda Premier League standings.
Stanbic Uganda Cup 2026 (Round of 64) Results on Friday, 6th February:
- Mairye United 0-3 Police
- Mabira Town Council 0-2 NEC
- Pallisa United 1-2 Sports Club Villa
- Ombachi Pride 0-1 Entebbe UPPC
- Kisugu United 1-2 Lugazi United
- Paidha United 1-2 Maroons
- Patongo United 0-1 URA
- Obule Earth Quake 0-1 Kitara
Additional reporting by Alex Pithua