Record Uganda Cup champions SC Villa held their nerve to edge out BUL FC 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in normal time, sealing their place in the Round of 16 of the 52nd Uganda Cup at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba on Wednesday night.
Villa got off to a dream start, earning a penalty just two minutes into the contest. Reagan Mpande stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot kick to hand the hosts an early lead and ignite the atmosphere under the Kadiba floodlights.
The opener set the tone for an intense and physical battle, with Richard Okello and Karim Ndugwa both cautioned as tempers flared while BUL steadily grew into the match and began asking questions of Villa’s defence, particularly from set-piece situations.
The visitors’ persistence paid off in the 44th minute when Reagan Kalyowa powered home a header to level matters at 1-1 heading into the break. BUL carried that momentum into the second half and needed only two minutes after the restart to turn the game around, Okello finding the back of the net to make it 2-1 and stun the home crowd.
Villa, however, showed resilience. In the 63rd minute, Patrick Kakande capped off a flowing team move with a composed finish to restore parity at 2-2 and swing belief back in favour of the Jogoos.
The remainder of the contest was open and nervy, with Thomas Ikara producing a fine save to deny Andrew Otim, while Villa goalkeeper Lukwago stood firm to ensure the tie headed to penalties.
From 12 yards, Villa displayed superior composure, converting four of their spot kicks while BUL missed once too often, handing the Jogoos a 4-3 shootout victory and sparking celebrations at Kadiba.
The win sees Villa join fellow Uganda Premier League sides KCCA FC, Vipers SC, URA FC and Express FC in the Round of 16, while Onduparaka FC and Red Devo also progressed from their respective ties.
Uganda Cup action continues on Thursday, February 26 with Maroons FC hosting Kumi United FC at Luzira Prisons Stadium and UPDF FC facing NEC FC at Bombo Barracks Ground, both fixtures scheduled for 3:00pm.
