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Full-time: KCCA FC 1-0 Mbarara City
Venue: MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
Competition: Uganda Cup (Round of 32)
KCCA FC secured their spot in the Uganda Cup Round of 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mbarara City at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
A solitary goal from defender Filbert Obenchan just before the interval was enough to separate the two sides in an encounter defined by sharp goalkeeping and tactical discipline.
The “Kasasiro Boys” started with intent. Shafik Kwikiriza displayed high energy in the 7th minute, winning possession in midfield and unleashing a powerful strike, but Mbarara’s shot-stopper, Emukule, was up to the challenge.
KCCA continued to knock on the door, and in the 18th minute, Ashraf Mugume was brought down 20 yards out. Umar Lutalo stepped up to take the resulting free kick, but Emukule again parried away his goal-bound effort.
Mbarara City’s real test to KCCA’s backline came in the 22nd minute when Mutwalibi Mugolofa produced a brilliant save to deny Kanyike Muhamad and keep the hosts level.
The breakthrough finally arrived on the stroke of halftime. Ashraf Mugume delivered a pinpoint free kick into the area, which Filbert Obenchan met with precision, sending the home fans into a frenzy heading into the break.
The second stanza was a more fractious affair as Mbarara City searched for an equaliser.
The referee stayed busy, cautioning KCCA’s Umar Lutalo for a challenge on Sadat Nsubuga, while Mbarara’s Reagan Matege and Bironse Malik also saw yellow for foul play.
KCCA freshened up the attack, introducing Sammy Ssebaduka and Bright Anukani for Shafik Kwikiriza and Saidi Mayanja, followed by Alex Yiga and Emmanuel Anyama replacing Lazaro Muhindo and Ivan Ahimbisibwe.
The substitutions nearly paid dividends in the 88th minute when Anukani found the back of the net. However, the celebrations were cut short as the linesman flagged for offside, ruling that Anyama had strayed a fraction ahead during the build-up.
Despite the late drama, KCCA held firm to see out the 1-0 win.
With their progression to the round of 16 in the Uganda Cup confirmed, KCCA FC now shifts focus back to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
The Citizens face a quick turnaround as they prepare for an away fixture against Buhimba United Saints FC on Monday, March 2nd.
Line Ups
KCCA FC
Mugolofa (GK), Gavin, Lutalo, Obenchan (C), Walusimbi, Mayanja (Anukani), Muhindo (Yiga), Sserunjogi, Mugume, Ahimibsibwe (Anyama), and Kwikiriza (Ssebaduka)
Mbarara City FC
Emukule (GK), Eragu, Karim, Matege, Bironse, Amanya, Ahumuza, Nsubuga, Kamugisha, Kanyike, Busulwa
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