Record cup holders SC Villa lock horns with resilient BUL FC in what stands out as the headline fixture of the Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 32 this Wednesday night at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
The primetime encounter, scheduled for 8pm, promises high intensity as both outfits chase a coveted place in the Round of 16.
With knockout football offering no room for error, one of the heavyweights will see their campaign cut short at an unexpectedly early stage.
The two sides are already familiar foes this season. Villa claimed victory in the Super 8 tournament, but BUL responded emphatically in the league, edging the Jogoos 2-1 in Njeru.
That split record adds extra intrigue to a contest where pride and progression are equally at stake.
BUL arrive in confident mood after dismantling Agape United 7-0 in the previous round. Four of those goals came from seasoned striker Karim Ndugwa, while Seiri Arigumaho netted a superb hat-trick in a ruthless attacking display orchestrated by coach Alex Isabirye.
Villa’s path to this stage was more laborious. The record champions needed a disciplined performance to overcome Pallisa Hospital 2-1 away from home, courtesy of goals from David Owori and Aslam Semakula.
The hosts must navigate notable absences. Left-back Simon Kato Ssemayange and Charles Lwanga are sidelined through injury, while goalkeeper Jeans Brady Wokorach misses out due to suspension.
BUL also face selection headaches, with Martin Aprem ruled out and both Walter Ochora and Nicholas Mwere rated doubtful ahead of kickoff.
Elsewhere, URA FC entertain FUFA Big League outfit Blacks Power FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo in another intriguing duel.
Six-time champions Express FC travel to Mityana to face Ntugasaze, while Onduparaka FC host non-league side Football Classroom at Green Light Stadium in Arua.
Other ties on the card see Kigezi Home Boyz battle Happy Boys Kagaba at Al Madina Grounds, Bunyaruguru take on Amus College in Kasese, and Iganga United welcome Melody FC at Ssaza Ground.
With several top-tier sides facing tricky assignments, the Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 32 sets the stage for drama, potential upsets, and defining moments in this year’s competition.
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