Stanbic Uganda Cup (Round of 32)
- KCCA 1-0 Mbarara City
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Football Club became the first team to qualify for to the round of 16 stage at this year’s Stanbic Uganda Cup.
KCCA edged a hard fighting Mbarara City 1-0 at the MTN Omondi Stadium Lugogo on Sunday evening.
Skipper Fillbert Obenchan was the hero with the all important goal, a beautiful diving header off Ashraf Mugume’s free-kick on the stroke of half time.
KCCA held onto the game for the rest of the second stanza and a would be second goal by substitute Bright Anukani did not count after an off-side call against fellow substitute Emmanuel Anyama.
The visitors commenced the game on a brilliant footing when impressive right winger Gabriel Eragu had a low cross spilled by goalkeeper Mutwalib Mugolofa but no one was close to pounce onto the loose ball in the fifth minute.
Two minutes later, KCCA latched its first attack to the opposition; Shafik Nana Kwikirizza shot towards the Mbarara City goalkeeper Derrick Emukule from the left flank and the latter dived to pick the ball.
On 11 minutes, Enock Walusimbi had a brush off Ashraf Mugume’s free-kick.
The Ankole Lions maintained their presence into the game as forward Marvin Busuulwa narrowly missed target from 30 yards.
By the quarter hour mark, it was evident Mbarara City had a strong case to present. Defender Reagan Matege missed contact on an inviting free-kick by Gabriel Eragu.
Umar Lutalo had a free-kick well collected by goalie Emukule in the 20th minute before the Kasasiro lads lead forward Ivan “The Hunter” Ahimbisibwe had a shot off target moments later.
Busuulwa forced a save from KCCA goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa as the end-to-end affair in the duel continued.
Lutalo shot on target from an acute angle on the left during the half hour mark but Emukule was well positioned to thwart the ball.
In the 40th minute, Mbarara City’s Abdul Malick Bironse became the first player to be booked by referee William Oloya following a foul on Nana Shafik Kwikirizza from 40 yards.
From the resultant free-kick, Mugume chipped well the ball that captain Obenchan dived to score. What a beauty!
KCCA took the lead by the mandatory half time break, oozing with confidence ahead of the final 45 minutes.
Three minutes into the second half, Lutalo was cautioned for a late challenge.
With a dozen minutes into the final stanza, Mbarara City called for the first change of the game. Midfielder Tom Kakaire was introduced for Clinton Kamugisha.
Wycliffe Ahumuza brought down Mugume for a KCCA free-kick, 35 yards away from the goal. Mugume got up and narrowly buried the resultant free-kick home after 63 minutes.
Ahimibisibwe recorded a weak shot on target well picked up by the goalkeeper Emukule
With 12 minutes to play, Ankole Lions’ Matege got cautioned for a foul with Lutalo’s free-kick off the venomous left foot blocked by a fellow KCCA player.
KCCA made a double change with 10 minutes to play, introducing Bright Anukani and Sammy Ssebaduka for Saidi Mayanja and Kwikirizza respectively.
Almost immediately, Anukani registered a shot on target that goalie Emukule pocketed.
In the 85th minute, Mbarara City brought on Selimani Kagabo for forward Busuulwa as the hosts made yet another double change.
Lazaro Muhindo was rested for youngster Alex Yiga and forward Ahimibisibwe paved way for Emmanuel Anyama.
Anyama set up Anukani with the latter scoring but off-side flag from the assistant referee was already up against Anyama and the goal did not count.
Mbarara City threatened in the final 4 added minutes although KCCA remained solid, composed, disciplined and watertight as they marched to the round of 16 stage.
The round of 32 matches continue for the rest of the week.
Team Line Ups:
KCCA XI: Mutwalibi Mugolofa (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Umar Lutalo, Enock Walusimbi, Fillbert Obenchan (Captain), Joel Sserunjogi, Saidi Mayanja, Ashraf Mugume, Lazaro Muhindo Bwambale, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Ivan Ahimbisibwe
Subs: Humphrey Oyirwoth, Peter Magambo, Alpha Thierry Ssali, Rogers Mugisha, Etienne Openga Katenga, Hassan Muhamud, Alex Yiga, Gui Gabriel, Sammy Ssebaduka, Sharif Ssengendo, Emmanuel Anyama, Bright Anukuani
Co-Coaches: Brian Ssengendo & Jackson Magera
Mbarara City XI: Derrick Emukule (G.K), Gabriel Eragu, Abdul Malik Bironse, Karim Ramathan (Captain), Reagan Matege, Wycliffe Ahumuza, Ian Amanya, Clinton Kamugisha, Marvin Busuulwa, Sadat Nsubuga, Muhammed Kanyike
Subs: Aaron Icumar (G.K), Stuart Kafuluma, Arinda Ambrose, Tom Kakaire, Kenneth Wanagoli, Isaac Arinda, Bernard Ndifuna, Kabago Selimani, Francis Odongo
Head coach: Zaidi Byekwaso
Match Officials:
- Center Referee: William Oloya
- Assistant Referee 1: Azad Bironse
- Assistant Referee 2: Azizi Mugalu
- Fourth official: Robert Sande