Umar Lutalo’s stunning free kick in the Kampala derby was more than just a goal, it was a statement of intent. The KCCA midfielder insists that his remarkable strike against SC Villa is only the beginning of a bigger journey with the club.
Coming off the bench in the 84th minute, Lutalo wasted no time making an impact. Just five minutes later, he curled a sublime free kick past his former team’s goalkeeper, sealing a 1–0 victory for KCCA at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
“I knew I would score,” Lutalo told KCCA FC TV. “The distance and angle were perfect. Once I saw the keeper’s position, I knew if I got it over the wall, it was a goal.”
Sublime from Umar Lutalo.#KCCAFC pic.twitter.com/1fJWEjbSqR
— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) October 5, 2025
The 21-year-old went further, drawing inspiration from one of football’s iconic moments.
“It reminded me of Messi’s goal. The wall and keeper could do nothing,” he said, referencing Lionel Messi’s memorable free kick against Liverpool in the 2019 UEFA Champions League, a strike that he says boosted his confidence.
Scoring against his former club made the moment even sweeter, but Lutalo’s focus remains on the future.
“This goal will push me to achieve more,” he said. “It was a proud moment, especially with my mom and family watching back home. Their happiness motivates me to keep going.”
Lutalo’s commitment to KCCA is clear. After joining from Kitara FC in January 2025, he recently penned a new two-year deal to stay with the club until 2027, signaling his desire to grow alongside the team.
His ambitions extend beyond club football. Having represented Uganda’s U20 side at the 2023 AFCON in Egypt and earning senior national team call-ups for World Cup qualifiers, Lutalo aims to become a reliable match-winner for both club and country.
Ready for tomorrow. Bring on Lugazi FC 💪#KCCAFC #KCCALUG #StarTimesUPL pic.twitter.com/QUT332DYPb
— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) October 15, 2025
KCCA now shift focus to their next challenge, welcoming Lugazi under the floodlights at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Thursday, October 16.
