Reigning champions Mengo City turned on the style when it mattered most, scoring four late goals to beat Nansana Aska 5-1 in the Futsal Uganda Cup at Old Kampala Arena on Friday night.
For much of the game, it was tight. Ian Tugume gave Mengo the perfect start, striking inside 10 minutes to hand the holders a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Nansana hit back three minutes after the restart when Hussein Zakaria Dahir curled in a superb free kick to level at 1-1.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Nansana created chances and looked capable of causing an upset. But Mengo’s experience showed in the closing stages.
Coach Abdullahi Abdifata made key changes, bringing on captain Anthony Male, Billy Nkata and Samuel O’Mara. The impact was immediate.
Male, Nkata and O’Mara all scored in a ruthless late burst, with O’Mara grabbing his second in the final seconds to seal a commanding 5-1 win.
The victory sends Mengo City into the quarterfinals in emphatic fashion.
Women’s Cup Round-Up.
Mbarara QC thrashed Kabowa Dream Team 10-1. Hadijah Nandago scored a hat-trick, with Catherine Naggayi, Mastula Nakku, Madina Nakaayi, Marianah Nakato and Aidah Namuwonge also on target. Maria Nassimbwa scored Kabowa’s consolation.
In the opening match, Kisenyi FC beat Edgar’s Youth Program 5-2. Desire Nankinga struck twice, while Leilah Aliyamah Nasuuna, Catherine Nakiridde and Josephine Nalule added the others. Fatumah Nakigozi scored for Edgar’s.
All the winners progressed to the quarterfinals. In the men’s competition, Mengo City move on alongside Edgar’s Youth Program and Kabowa Dream Team.
In the women’s draw, Mbarara QC and Kisenyi FC join Mengo City Women in the inaugural last eight.
