KCCA FC secured a narrow but vital victory over Mbarara City to become the first side to book a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The Kasasiro Boys claimed a 1-0 win over the Ankole Lions in a tightly contested Round of 32 encounter played at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Sunday evening.
Captain Fillbert Obenchan emerged as the difference-maker, rising bravely to nod home a spectacular diving header just before halftime. The decisive goal came from Ashraf Mugume’s perfectly delivered free-kick, giving the hosts the advantage heading into the break.
Leading by example… Obenchan ©️#KCCAFC pic.twitter.com/c9ywvib1mP
— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) February 23, 2026
KCCA maintained control for most of the second half and even thought they had doubled their lead late on. Substitute Bright Anukani found the back of the net after being set up by fellow substitute Emmanuel Anyama, but the assistant referee’s offside flag ruled the effort out.
Mbarara City had actually begun the contest brightly. In the fifth minute, winger Gabriel Eragu delivered a dangerous low cross that slipped through the hands of KCCA goalkeeper Mutwalib Mugolofa, but none of his teammates reacted quickly enough to capitalize on the loose ball.
KCCA responded two minutes later with their first meaningful attempt. Shafik Nana Kwikirizza cut in from the left flank and unleashed a shot that Mbarara City goalkeeper Derrick Emukule comfortably gathered.
Ashraf Mugume continued to orchestrate KCCA’s set pieces, and on 11 minutes his free-kick caused problems in the area, with Enock Walusimbi narrowly failing to connect.
The visitors remained competitive and showed attacking intent. Forward Marvin Busuulwa tried his luck from long range, sending a powerful strike from about 30 yards that narrowly missed the target.
By the quarter-hour mark, the Ankole Lions were still posing questions. Defender Reagan Matege nearly connected with a well-delivered free-kick from Eragu but failed to make contact.
KCCA kept probing as Umar Lutalo forced Emukule into action with a free-kick in the 20th minute, while striker Ivan “The Hunter” Ahimbisibwe later fired a shot off target.
The game remained lively, with chances coming at both ends. Busuulwa tested Mugolofa with a strong effort that required a save, while Lutalo later tried from a tight angle on the left, only for Emukule to react quickly and keep the scores level.
When the going gets tough….#KCCAFC #KCCAMBA #StanbicUgandaCup pic.twitter.com/IYoxW7tC4a
— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) February 22, 2026
The first booking of the match arrived in the 40th minute when Mbarara City’s Abdul Malick Bironse was cautioned by referee William Oloya after fouling Nana Kwikirizza about 40 yards from goal.
From the resulting free-kick, Mugume floated a teasing ball into the box where Obenchan launched himself forward to produce a brilliant diving header.
The goal sent KCCA into the halftime interval with a slender but deserved advantage.
Shortly after the restart, Lutalo received a yellow card for a late challenge as the physical battles intensified.
With 12 minutes played in the second half, Mbarara City made the first substitution of the match, introducing midfielder Tom Kakaire for Clinton Kamugisha in a bid to inject fresh energy.
KCCA later won another free-kick when Wycliffe Ahumuza brought down Mugume about 35 yards from goal. Mugume stepped up himself and nearly doubled the lead, his effort narrowly missing the target after 63 minutes.
Ahimbisibwe also attempted to stretch the lead, but his tame shot was comfortably collected by Emukule.
As the match entered its closing stages, Matege was shown a yellow card following a foul, while Lutalo’s powerful free-kick was blocked by the KCCA wall.
With ten minutes remaining, KCCA introduced Bright Anukani and Sammy Ssebaduka in place of Saidi Mayanja and Nana Kwikirizza.
Anukani quickly made his presence felt, testing Emukule with a shot that the goalkeeper safely held.
Mbarara City made a late attacking change in the 85th minute, bringing on Selimani Kagabo for Busuulwa. KCCA also shuffled their lineup, withdrawing Lazaro Muhindo for youngster Alex Yiga, while Ahimbisibwe made way for Emmanuel Anyama.
The hosts briefly thought they had sealed the victory when Anyama squared the ball to Anukani, who finished neatly. However, the assistant referee had already raised the flag for offside against Anyama in the buildup.
Mbarara City pushed forward during the four minutes of added time, searching for a late equalizer. Despite the pressure, KCCA’s defense stayed organized and composed to preserve the narrow lead.
The victory sends KCCA into the Round of 16, while the rest of the Uganda Cup Round of 32 fixtures will continue throughout the week.
