Uganda Cup: URA keep cup hopes alive following nail-biting shootout

URA FC are still standing in the Uganda Cup, but only just. At Hamz Stadium Nakivubo, the Tax Collectors survived a gritty challenge from Blacks Power FC, edging through 6–5 on penalties after 90 goalless minutes to seal a place in the Round of 16.

The contest never found rhythm in open play. What it lacked in goals, though, it made up for in tension.

Blacks Power, flying high at the top of the FUFA Big League, showed exactly why they have built a reputation as giant killers, refusing to be overawed by their top-flight hosts and dragging them into a dogged, physical battle.

For URA, the pressure was unmistakable. Home victories had become a rare sight, with their last win in Nakivubo dating back to late November, and overall form offering little comfort.

That backdrop made progression less about style and more about survival.

Head coach Hussein Mbalangu had already sounded the alarm before kick-off, warning his side not to underestimate lower-division opposition, a lesson learned the hard way in previous cup campaigns.

His selection reflected that caution and ambition in equal measure, restoring Isma Mugulusi to the starting XI and setting up with an aggressive front line.

Early exchanges hinted at dominance from the top flight club. Joseph Ssemujju came closest before the interval, wastefully firing over after a teasing delivery from Mugulusi. Blacks Power nearly made that miss count moments later when Baker Buyala, played through after clever work by Joshua Omara, blazed wide to extend his personal scoring drought.

As halftime approached, URA pressed again, only for Mugulusi’s driven effort to be heroically blocked by Ronald Owiny, keeping the deadlock intact.

Changes came at the break as Mbalangu searched for spark, introducing captain Moses Aliro and Fred Amaku.

The response was immediate but cruel. First, the crossbar denied Ssemujju with a thunderous strike. Then, substitute Olimi Nyarwa rattled the upright as frustration grew with every wasted chance.

With no breakthrough forthcoming, penalties beckoned. There, goalkeeper Martin Ssenkooto emerged as the unlikely hero, producing a vital save from Ssekibengo Godfrey.

Norman Namanya calmly rolled in the deciding kick, sealing a 6–5 shootout triumph after successful efforts from Nyarwa, Hudu Mulikyi, Bright Vuni, Aliro and Amaku.

#StanbicUgandaCup: Through to the round of 16 after an intensive penalty shootout.#URAFC | #OneTeamOneDream | #StanbicUgandaCup | #52ndEdition pic.twitter.com/KKgm27GeTZ

— URA Football Club (@URAFC_Official) February 25, 2026

Away from Nakivubo, the cup drama continued. Onduparaka also needed penalties to overcome non league side Football Classroom after a scoreless draw in Arua, while Express FC claimed a solid 2–0 away win over Ntungasaze.

They now join URA FC, Kitara, Vipers and KCCA FC in the next round of 16 as the Stanbic Uganda Cup edges closer to its business end.