C-News Bureau Chief
The Stanbic Uganda Cup has thrown up unprecedented excitement this year with a guaranteed new winner as the football giants were ousted in thrilling quarterfinal matches. The semifinal stage will feature Kitara FC, BUL FC, NEC FC, and Pajule Lions, marking a stark departure from the norm.
In one of the most electrifying games of the tournament, Kitara FC ousted defending champions Vipers SC in a nerve-racking penalty shootout that ended 5-4, following a 2-2 deadlock in extra time in Masindi. Paul Mucurezi became the hero for Kitara, netting both goals, while Vipers’ efforts by Yunus Sentamu and Bright Anukani only pushed the match to penalties.
Meanwhile, BUL FC also made headlines with their dramatic shootout win over KCCA FC, another favorite. The match, held on Saturday at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, concluded in a 1-1 tie after extra time. Early goals from BUL’s Alex Kitata and KCCA’s Etienne Katenga set the stage for a gripping shootout that BUL clinched to dash KCCA’s hopes for silverware this season.
Adding to the list of surprises, Fufa Big League team Pajule Lions secured their spot in the semifinals for the first time, edging out Pakwach Young Stars 1-0 in a tightly contested match on the same Saturday in Pader.
With the league’s traditional powerhouses out of the picture, the stage is set for an unpredictable finale to what may be one of the most memorable cup tournaments in Ugandan football history. BUL FC is now eyeing a historic league and cup double, closely trailing league leaders Kitara FC by just one point. The drama continues in Uganda’s football arenas as new champions rise.