MATCH PREVIEW | KCCA FC vs Mbarara City – Uganda Cup (R-32)

By: Moses Magero
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Competition: Stanbic Uganda Cup – Round of 32

Venue: MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo

Date: Sunday, 22nd February 2026

Time: 3 PM E.A.T

The “Kasasiro Boys” return to MTN Omondi Stadium this Sunday to host Mbarara City FC in a high-stakes Round of 32 clash in the Stanbic Uganda Cup.

There will be no room for error, as this is a knockout competition.

KCCA FC, the 10-time joint record winners of the Uganda Cup, are looking to reclaim their dominance in a tournament they last won in 2018, while Mbarara City aims to play the role of giant killers in a Sunday afternoon crunch fixture.

KCCA FC reached the finals of this competition last term and will hope they can emulate that this season and win a record 11th cup.

The most recent home encounter, late in the 2024/2025 season, saw KCCA edge Mbarara 1-0 in the league.

However, the Uganda Cup is famous for its unpredictability. Mbarara City has proven to be a tough nut to crack, often forcing stalemates, though they have struggled to find the back of the net consistently at Lugogo, averaging just 0.53 goals per game against the hosts.

KCCA FC eliminated St George Masindi FC at the round of 64, while Mbarara City FC ended the hopes of Busia YoungStars FC in a 2-1 win away from home in the previous round.

Jackson Magera Kaddu

Coach Jackson Magera has been vocal about the mental shift required for a knockout competition. He emphasised that past league results mean nothing in the hunt for the cup.

In a knockout competition, there are no second chances. We have been working on the group’s focus because one lapse can end our journey. The hunger in the squad is palpable; we want this trophy back at Lugogo. We must be clinical and disciplined and show that we want it more than our opponents from the first whistle.

Head-to-Head

Historically, Lugogo has been a fortress for KCCA FC against the “Ankole Lions.” In their last 16 meetings across all competitions:

In the last 16 matches, KCCA FC has won 7, while Mbarara City has won 3.

Both sides have shared spoils 6 times.

KCCA FC has scored 17 goals, while Mbarara City has scored 11 goals in the last 16 ties.

KCCA FC’s Last Five Matches of the 2025/26 season

KCCA FC 2-1 BUL FC

NEC FC 3-1 KCCA FC

St George Masindi FC 0-2 KCCA FC (Ug Cup)

KCCA FC 0-1 UPPC FC

KCCA FC 4-0 UPDF FC

Mbarara City FC’s last five matches of the 2025/26 season.

Entebbe UPPC FC 1-0 Mbarara City FC

Mbarara City FC 1-0 Calvary FC

Busia YoungStars FC 1-2 Mbarara City FC (Ug Cup)

Maroons FC 1-1 Mbarara City FC

SC Villa 6-1 Mbarara City FC

Last 5 games of #KCCAMBA

Mbarara City FC 1-2 KCCA FC

KCCA FC 1-0 Mbarara City FC

Mbarara City FC 3-0 KCCA FC **

KCCA FC 4-0 Mbarara City FC

Mbarara City FC 2-1 KCCA FC

Ashraf Mugume

Midfield maestro Ashraf Mugume is ready for the challenge. Known for his versatility and work rate, Mugume expressed his readiness to fill any gap the team requires.

I am personally very happy to be playing and helping the team. Whether the coach wants me in the pivot or further forward, I am ready to play any position to ensure we progress. To our fans, your energy is our 12th man. Come out in numbers and push us to the Round of 16. We need you behind us!

Team News – #KCCAMBA

Assistant Captain Derrick Nsibambi is still ruled out of action due to a knee injury.

The rest of the squad is available to face Mbarara City FC in Lugogo.

Available Team: #KCCAMBA

Mugolofa, Oyirwoth, Emojong, Lukwago, Obenchan, Gavin, Lazaro, Muhamud, Walusimbi, Achayi, Mubezi, O.Steven**, Jjara**, Sserunjogi, Mugisha, Mayanja, Lutalo, Ssengendo, Mugume, Alpha, Gatbel **, Yiga, Anukani, Kwikiriza, Ssebaduka, Gabriel, Katenga, Anyama, Ahimbisibwe, and Ismail Fahad**.

** means Academy Player

The Match Up

KCCA FC is expected to field a side that prioritises high pressing and quick transitions, while the visitors, Mbarara City, are likely to set up in a compact defensive block and will look to frustrate the hosts and capitalise on set pieces or counter-attacks.

The battle in the centre of the park will be crucial, with KCCA needing to break down a resilient Mbarara backline that has historically played for narrow results.

Joao Gabriel

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