SC Villa are just one win away from lifting their maiden FUFA Super 8 crown after outlasting defending champions BUL FC 5–4 in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout at the Phillip Omondi Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Jogoos, who came into the tie with determination written all over them, were rocked early when defender Arnold Odong inadvertently bundled Hillary Onek’s fizzing cross into his own net in just the fourth minute.
The 16-time league champions huffed and puffed, and their persistence finally bore fruit in the 75th minute.
Najib Yiga stood over a free-kick, whipped it goalward, and a crucial deflection off Sowedi Luwenda left goalkeeper Farouk Yawe stranded as the equalizer rippled the net to set up a dramatic finale.
With the two sides deadlocked 1–1 after regulation time, it all boiled down to penalties, where heroes are made and nerves are shattered.
SC Villa’s shot-stopper David Lukwago rose to the occasion, pulling off spectacular saves to deny Ibrahim Mugulusi and Bakali Magunda.
Though Frank Mulimi missed for Villa, his teammates held their composure, converting the rest to seal a pulsating 5–4 triumph.
The victory propels SC Villa into Wednesday’s grand finale at FUFA Kadiba Stadium, where they will lock horns with a fearless NEC FC side.
NEC themselves booked their place after dispatching URA FC 4–3 on penalties following a stalemate in Saturday’s semifinal.
Meanwhile, BUL—last year’s champions—will be left to regroup as they square off with URA in the third-place playoff.
