Ronald Lusulire
February 26, 2026
8 hours ago
Uganda Cup: Dhata double fires NEC forward as Maroons also march on
Photo: NEC FC Media
Uganda Cup: Dhata double fires NEC forward as Maroons also march on
The 52nd edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup continued to thrill on Thursday, 26th February 2026, with decisive victories for NEC FC and Maroons.
Smooth Sailing into the next round #UPDFNEC | #StanbicUgandaCup | #Diehards pic.twitter.com/zQXkD1HYKi
— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) February 26, 2026
At the Bombo Barracks ground in Bombo, NEC produced a disciplined and clinical display to defeat UPDF 2–0, sealing their place in the Round of 16.
The Army side struggled to cope with NEC’s attacking intent, spearheaded by the impressive Joseph Dhata.
Dhata opened the scoring in the 28th minute after being picked out by Richard Basangwa, the right-back’s forward surge catching UPDF off guard.
Just before the halftime whistle, the NEC winger doubled his tally from the penalty spot, calmly converting after being fouled himself to put the game beyond reach.
On the same day, Maroons edged Kumi United 1–0 in a closely contested encounter. Norman Odipio proved the difference in the 56th minute, unleashing a thunderous long-range strike that settled the tie and sent the Prison Warders through.
Odipio puts Maroons FC ahead!#StanbicUgandaCup | #MARKUM | #HomeOfUgandanSport https://t.co/DGXis9bjYV pic.twitter.com/a9S3LQGhun
— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) February 26, 2026
With those results, Thursday’s two victors advance to the Round of 16, joining holders Vipers, Express, Sports Club Villa, Kitara, KCCA, URA, Red Devo, Onduparaka, Happy Boys Kagaba, and Iganga United.
The Stanbic Uganda Cup, first played in 1971, remains Uganda’s premier knockout competition. Beyond domestic pride, the tournament carries continental significance, as the eventual winner earns the right to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Uganda Cup: Round of 32 Results
- Ntugasaze 0–2 Express
- Sports Club Villa 2 (4) – 2 (3) BUL
- Onduparaka 0 (5) – 0 (4) Football Classroom
- URA 0 (6) – 0 (5) Blacks Power
- Kigezi Home Boyz 1 (3) – 1 (4) Happy Boys Kagaba
- Vipers 6–0 Pajule Lions
- KCCA 1–0 Mbarara City
- Kitara 2–0 Entebbe UPPC
- Maroons 1–0 Kumi United
- UPDF 0–2 NEC
