The Futsal Uganda Cup lived up to its reputation for high-octane drama on Friday night as Kabowa Dream Team narrowly overcame Lubiri Falcons in a 4-3 thriller to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
In what was undoubtedly the match of the round, the two sides turned the Old Kampala Futsal Arena into a battleground of skill and tactical endurance. What began as a strategic chess match quickly exploded into a seven-goal epic that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
The headline act of the night was Victor Kazibwe. The clinical forward, who has been in scintillating form this season, proved to be the difference-maker once again. Kazibwe opened his account early, but it was his composure in the dying embers of the game that defined the night.
With the score locked at 3-3 and the prospect of a penalty shootout looming, Kabowa’s Carlos Kaddu was brought down in the area. Kazibwe stepped up to the spot and unleashed a thunderous strike that rattled the crossbar before nestling into the back of the net, sending the Kabowa bench into a frenzy.
Despite the loss, Lubiri Falcons earned immense respect for their resilience. Trailing early on to goals from Alex Kizito and Carlos Kaddu, the Falcons refused to buckle. Kintu Mansour was the standout for Lubiri, netting a brilliant brace that twice brought his side back into the game.
When Sulaiman Mutyaba found the equalizer late in the second half, it looked as though the Falcons might pull off a historic upset. However, the late defensive lapse leading to the penalty proved costly, ending their brave cup run.
Farouk Makumbi’s Kabowa Dream Team now advances to the quarterfinals, where a formidable challenge awaits in the form of QC Mbarara. The Mbarara-based side secured their own progression with a convincing 3-0 victory over Old Kampala earlier in the evening.
With both teams playing an attacking brand of futsal, the upcoming quarterfinal is already being touted as a “must-watch” fixture. For Kabowa, the dream of cup glory remains very much alive, fueled by the heroics of their star man, Victor Kazibwe.
Match Summary:
Kabowa Dream Team 4-3 Lubiri Falcons
Kabowa Scorers: Victor Kazibwe (2), Carlos Kaddu, Alex Kizito
Lubiri Scorers: Kintu Mansour (2), Sulaiman Mutyaba
Man of the Match: Victor Kazibwe (Kabowa Dream Team)
