Uganda Cup Quarterfinal
- Kaaro Karungi 1-2 KCCA
In a game that rekindled old memories and demanded new heroes, Usama Arafat Kizza stood tall, delivering the decisive blow as KCCA FC edged past Kaaro Karungi FC 2-1 to book their spot in the semifinals of the 51st Edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Returning to the Kyamate Playground in Ntungamo for the first time since the controversial 2015 Uganda Cup final, a match that ended in chaos and was later replayed due to officiating irregularities, KCCA arrived with a point to prove and history to put behind them.
On Saturday, they did just that, with grit, resolve and a spark of brilliance from their star, Usama Arafat
The Lugogo-based giants, who have struggled for consistency in the league this season, displayed commendable fighting spirit. They drew first blood three minutes before halftime when Derrick Nsibambi met a delivery with a glancing header that ricocheted off Norman Ndyamuhaki and into the net, giving KCCA a deserved lead.
Nature, however, had its say. A heavy downpour immediately after the goal forced a delay in the second-half kickoff. When play resumed, Kaaro Karungi wasted no time in responding. Just three minutes in, Clinton Kamugisha capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home the equalizer, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
But the joy was short-lived. In the 59th minute, Usama Arafat reminded everyone why he’s one of the brightest young talents in Ugandan football.
Latching onto a loose ball at the edge of the area, the midfielder showed great composure and power to drive home what would prove to be the match-winner, a goal that not only sealed victory but also underscored his growing influence at the club.
With the win, KCCA FC becomes the first team to punch their ticket to the semifinals of this year’s tournament, keeping their hopes alive for silverware in what has otherwise been a challenging campaign.
Uganda Cup action continues with more quarterfinal clashes. Kitara FC, the defending champions, take on BUL FC in Butema on Sunday.
Vipers SC will battle arch-rivals SC Villa on Monday and Police FC host Kataka FC on Tuesday.
