KCCA FC ended an eight-year trophy drought on Tuesday, edging NEC FC 1-0 in a tense FUFA Super 8 final at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Saidi Mayanja’s first-half penalty proved to be the decisive stroke in a highly contested affair, handing the Kasasiro Boys early-season silverware and bragging rights.
The game’s turning point arrived in the 35th minute under controversial circumstances.
Just two minutes after NEC’s Richard Basangwa squandered a golden chance by heading wide, referee decision-making took center stage.
Daniel Shabene made contact with Yunus Sibira inside the 18-yard box, prompting the referee to point straight to the penalty spot, a call that left the Die Hards furious.
Mayanja remained unfazed by the heated protests, stepping up to powerfully drill his spot-kick past NEC custodian Hannington Ssebwalunyo to give KCCA the lead.
NEC pushed aggressively for an equalizer after the break, but KCCA’s defense held resolute.
KCCA had chances to double their lead ten minutes into the second half when Emmanuel Anyama set up Sibira, only for the midfielder to launch his shot over the crossbar.
With six minutes remaining on the clock, KCCA goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa produced the game’s defining defensive moment, diving to palm away Enrique Lubwama’s blistering long-range effort and preserve the victory.
Tournament Accolades
- MVP: Saidi Mayanja
- Top Scorer: Richard Basangwa
- Best Goalkeeper: Mutwalibu Mugolofa
- Fair Play: NEC FC
