Uganda Cup: URA outclass Tapoh to seal last eight berth

URA FC delivered a commanding performance under the Nakivubo lights, sweeping aside Tapoh FC 3-0 to storm into the quarterfinals of the 2025/26 Stanbic Uganda Cup on Friday evening.

3-0. Godfrey Ssekibengo#StanbicUgandaCup | #URATPO pic.twitter.com/h3yPzKOyU2

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) March 20, 2026

Despite early resistance from the Northeastern Regional League side, the tax collectors proved too strong over the 90 minutes, with goals from Olimi Bitanywaine Nyarwa, captain Moses Aliro Okabo, and substitute Godfrey Ssekibengo sealing a deserved victory at Hamz Stadium.

The breakthrough arrived in the 33rd minute after a spell of sustained pressure.

Nyarwa produced a moment of brilliance, curling a delightful left-footed effort that looped over goalkeeper Ismail Ajaru to give the hosts a deserved lead heading into the break.

Earlier on, they had signaled their intent from the onset. Nyarwa tested Ajaru as early as the 6th minute, while James Begisa was forced into a crucial goal-line clearance moments later to deny Tapoh an unlikely opener.

Moses Waiswa and Joseph Bright Vuni also came close as the hosts dictated the tempo in the opening exchanges.

The second half resumed with Tapoh attempting to regroup, but URA maintained their dominance. Hussein Mbalangu’s tactical changes injected fresh energy, with substitutes Denis Kisiriko and Godfrey Ssekibengo adding attacking impetus.

Persistence paid off in the 65th minute when skipper Aliro doubled the advantage, his effort taking a heavy deflection off Joseph Okiror to wrong-foot the goalkeeper.

With the visitors now chasing shadows, URA continued to press for more. Kisiriko came close, rattling the crossbar, while Ssekibengo looked lively down the flank. The third goal eventually arrived with 15 minutes left, and it was worth the wait.

Ssekibengo capped off a fine move with a stunning long-range volley from about 25 yards, effectively putting the game beyond doubt and wrapping up a professional display.

Tapoh showed glimpses of resilience, with Ashiraf Micah and Mark Opio attempting to inspire a response, but the opposition’s defensive unit stood firm to preserve a clean sheet.

#StanbicUgandaCup: We are through to the quarterfinals 💪#URAFC | #OneTeamOneDream | #StanbicUgandaCup | #52ndEdition | #URATAP pic.twitter.com/n1m3zd3D5a

— URA Football Club (@URAFC_Official) March 20, 2026

In the closing stages, they comfortably managed the game, with Waiswa and Ssemujju having late efforts that failed to trouble the scoreline further.

The victory sees URA join fellow quarterfinalists Vipers SC, KCCA FC, Kitara FC, NEC FC, SC Villa, and regional side Happy Boyz Kagaba, as the competition edges closer to its climax.

Attention now shifts to the final Round of 16 fixture, where Express FC will face Red Devo later at the same venue.