2026 Uganda Cup | QF | Monday April 6
- Happy Boys Kagaba 0-1 SC Villa
Andrew Otim struck when it mattered most, sending SC Villa into the Plascon co-sponsored Uganda Cup semi-finals and ending the brave run of underdogs Happy Boys Kagaba on Easter Monday in Kassanda.
For much of the game, Kagaba looked capable of another upset. Roared on by their home crowd, the fourth-division side played with confidence and purpose.
Eddie Bulwanyi almost gave them a dream start inside three minutes, forcing a sharp double save from goalkeeper David Lukwago. Bulwanyi and Pius Kamoga continued to trouble Villa, but the visitors held on.
Villa struggled to find rhythm in the first half. Diego Ssemugera and Patrick Jonah Kakande tried to create openings, but clear chances were rare as the game went into the break goalless, with Kagaba the more threatening side.
After the restart, Villa stepped up. They controlled possession and pushed Kagaba back, though the hosts stayed organised. Kamoga thought he had given Kagaba the lead midway through the half, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.
Villa kept pressing, and the breakthrough finally came in the 72nd minute. Najib Yiga delivered the ball into the box, Kakande’s header dropped kindly, and Reagan Mpande’s touch set up Otim at the back post. Unmarked, he tapped home to silence the crowd.
It was Otim’s second decisive goal in as many rounds, showing his growing importance to the team most especially in this competition.
Kagaba pushed late on but could not find an equaliser. Their cup journey ends with pride after a run that captured attention and respect.
At full time, referee Shamirah Nabadda’s whistle sparked celebrations among Villa players and their travelling fans.
Villa now join Vipers, URA and Kitara in the semi-finals. Vipers edged NEC on penalties after a goalless draw, URA knocked out KCCA in a shootout after a 2-2 draw, while Kitara beat Express 3-0.
Winner of the Uganda Cup represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup.
