Joseph Dhata opened our scoring, netting his sixth goal of the campaign by capitalizing on Obua Emmanuel’s clumsiness, slotting home from inside the box just seven minutes into the first half. Cromwel then doubled our lead with a beautiful flick, securing our spot in the finals of the 50th edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Early goals
We scored two early goals in the 7th and 21st minutes, giving us a significant edge over our rivals who could not mount a comeback. In a tie where we needed either a win or a goalless draw, scoring two early goals meant the match could no longer end in penalties.
The game began with brilliant football from both ends, contrasting with our previous encounters, which featured more physical displays than entertaining play. With only Ssebaggala coming on for Mugalu, Mbalangu fielded a strong, unchanged team from the first leg.
Everyone put in their all, culminating in a move started by Thembo and finished off by Dhata after Obua poorly dealt with a deflected shot by Cromwel. This early lead put us ahead 2-1 on aggregate, with a place in the final within reach.
Having secured an early goal, the team continued pushing for a second. We won in a just less than 35 yards off the visitor’s goal. With a free kick in a promising area, Dhata powered the ball towards Ikara, who punched it with equal force into Geriga’s path. Geriga then delivered a beautiful cross for Cromwel to flick home, doubling our lead and sealing our place in the final with a 3-1 aggregate.
Great game management
With a 2-0 lead, one foot was already in the finals just 21 minutes into the second leg of the semifinal. Now, it was time to manage the game, and everyone—from the goalkeeper to the on-field players and the technical bench—served us with a master class.
Benjamin Ochan was called into action to prevent conceding, while Ssebaggala halted a potentially dangerous move. Upfront, Ikara was forced into double saves to deny us a third goal, first from a powerful shot by Dhata and then from a follow-up by Cromwel. Okocha then sent the ball inches wide, sending us into halftime with a comfortable lead.
Returning for the second half, BUL looked dangerous but lacked the sharpness to cause harm as our boys held onto the lead without allowing any goals. Ochan pulled off two brilliant saves while commanding his shielding pair of Barni and Kiyemba, who headed away almost all flying balls from BUL.
Kimwero was tactically substituted, with Mbalangu bringing in fresh legs in Ssesaazi to partner Thembo in midfield. Dhata, Odongo, and Atendele were all shown yellow cards while diligently protecting the 2-0 lead. Kavuma and Kayanja were introduced as Okocha and Cromwel were withdrawn.
At the final whistle, we emerged victorious, securing our first-ever place in the final of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
What next:
With a place in the final secured, our focus now turns to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, where we are still in contention for the title. Our immediate assignment is in Kavuma this Tuesday when we visit Bright Stars for a 4:00 PM kickoff.
Team News:
Barni Kelvin left the game injured, and we shall be waiting for the doctor’s assessment, while the rest of the squad remains available and well.