Kitara FC kept their Stanbic Uganda Cup title defense alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over BUL FC in a fiery quarter final clash at Royal Park in Butema, Hoima.
Defender Arthur Kiggundu proved the hero, curling in an 84th-minute free-kick to break the deadlock in a match marred by chaos and three red cards.
The game started cautiously, with few clear chances in the first half. BUL’s Karim Ndugwa came closest early in the second half, rattling the crossbar with a powerful effort.
However, tensions exploded at the hour mark when Jeromy Kirya shoved Kitara’s Patrick Kaddu, sparking a mass confrontation. In the ensuing melee, Kirya and Kitara’s Titus Ssematimba were both sent off for violent conduct.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Kitara found a late breakthrough when Kiggundu’s superb free-kick sailed over the wall and past goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, sending the home fans into wild celebrations.
BUL’s frustrations boiled over in stoppage time as Nicholas Mwere received a second yellow card, reducing them to nine men. Tempers flared further when defender Walter Ochora shoved referee Henry Musisi to the ground, yet remarkably escaped punishment.
The drama continued after the final whistle, with BUL’s players and coaching staff, including an incensed Abbey Bogere Kikomeko, attempting to confront the officials before being restrained.
With the win, Kitara advances to the semi finals alongside KCCA FC. The quarterfinal action continues tomorrow, Monday as Vipers SC host SC Villa, while Police FC face Kataka FC on Tuesday.
