Uganda Cup Round of 16 Action Continues as SC Villa Visits Lugazi FC

The highly competitive Uganda Cup round of 16 fixtures resume on Tuesday, March 18, following an exciting start to this stage.

Holders Kitara FC progressed after edging past Gaddafi FC 2-1, while Police FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Maroons FC.

The knockout battle now intensifies as record nine-time winners SC Villa aim to book a quarterfinal slot when they travel to Lugazi FC at Lugazi Stadium.

SC Villa will have to navigate this crucial encounter without key players Patrick Jonah Kakande and captain Ronald Ssekiganda, who are currently on national duty with the Uganda Cranes in Egypt ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea.

Meanwhile, Lugazi FC will also be missing a key figure, vice-captain Nelson Mandela.

However, the return of speedy winger Alvin Birungi Twine and solid defender Akiram Massa is expected to strengthen the squad.

Tuesday’s fixture will mark only the second meeting between these two sides.

Their previous clash ended in a 1-1 stalemate at Wankulukuku during last season’s league campaign.

Lugazi FC’s journey to this stage saw them dispatch fourth-division side Mayuge United with a 2-0 triumph in the round of 64 before overcoming Big League outfit Calvary FC in the round of 32.

SC Villa, on the other hand, breezed past Buganda Regional League side Seeta United with a convincing 3-0 win before edging Simba FC 1-0 to reach the last 16.

With Kakande absent, the Jogoos will rely on their prolific goal-getter Charles Lwanga, experienced forward Sula Matovu, and dynamic midfielder Elvis Ngonde to provide the spark in attack.

The last time SC Villa lifted the prestigious trophy was in 2015, when they convincingly defeated KCCA FC 3-0 in the final at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

However, last year, their cup run was cut short at this stage by eventual champions Kitara FC.

Elsewhere, record 10-time winners KCCA FC are set to take on Rwenzori Lions at Omondi Stadium, while Bul FC will square off against Total FC in another thrilling round of 16 matchup.