A late first-half header from captain Filbert Obenchan proved decisive as KCCA FC edged past Mbarara City FC 1-0 at Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, securing their place in the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 16.
Obenchan met a perfectly weighted free kick from Joel Sserunjogi in stoppage time of the first half, rising above the defenders to beat goalkeeper Derrick Emukule and give KCCA a crucial advantage. The goal was enough to see the hosts safely through despite a resilient Mbarara side.
Expectations had favored KCCA, coming off a 2-1 Uganda Premier League win over BUL FC, while Mbarara were fresh from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Entebbe UPPC. Yet the visitors showed grit, marshaling a disciplined defensive line led by Karim Ramathan and Gabriel Eragu, frustrating KCCA’s attackers including Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Shafik Kwikiriza, and Lazaro Muhindo.
As the match wore on, Mbarara’s counterattacks kept the tension high. KCCA goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa produced a key stoppage-time clearance to deny Sadat Nsubuga, preserving the win.
For Mbarara, the defeat offered hope: a solid defensive showing that can boost confidence as they focus on their Uganda Premier League survival campaign.
Cup action continues tomorrow with Vipers hosting Pajule Lions at Kitende and UPPC facing Kitara in Entebbe, promising more thrilling knockout drama.
