Stanbic Uganda Cup
Quarter Final Draw
URA v KCCA
NEC v Vipers
Kitara v Express
Happy Boys v SC Villa
Vipers SC’s dominance in Ugandan football faces a stern challenge after being paired with in-form NEC FC in the Stanbic Uganda Cup quarterfinals.
The draw, held yesterday at Kansai Plascon Uganda offices in Kampala, was overseen by the company’s Managing Director Santosh Gumte and FUFA Competitions Director Hajjat Aisha Nalule.
Currently top of the Uganda Premier League with 50 points and unbeaten this season, Vipers are favorites on paper. But their unbeaten league run may not guarantee success in the knockout format, as NEC FC have already proved a resilient adversary. The two sides have drawn 1-1 twice in league encounters this season, with NEC frustrating Vipers’ title-chasing efforts on both occasions.
Under the guidance of coach Badru Kaddu, NEC are enjoying a 13-game unbeaten run across all competitions and have strengthened their squad with experienced names such as Samuel Ssekamatte, Richard Basangwa, and Muhamed Ssenoga Kagawa. With league ambitions fading, the Uganda Cup represents their prime opportunity for silverware. Hosting the tie at Omondi Stadium in Lugogo gives NEC an added edge in what promises to be a fiery one-off encounter.
Elsewhere in the quarterfinals, last season’s finalists KCCA FC will take on URA FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, while Kitara FC, last year’s winners, face ten-time champions Express FC at Royals Park Stadium in Hoima. Nine-time champions SC Villa will meet regional league side Happy Boys in Kasanda District.
FUFA’s Hajjat Nalule confirmed all quarterfinal matches are scheduled between April 1 and 6, with winners advancing from the single-leg ties.
The stage is set for high drama as holders Vipers attempt to navigate a perilous route to defend the Uganda Cup, with NEC poised to spring a major upset.
