Uganda Cup: URA left with mountain to climb after Villa first-leg defeat

URA FC face an uphill task in the Uganda Cup semifinals after falling 2-0 to SC Villa in the first leg played on Monday evening.

The visitors made their intentions clear early on, growing into the contest and carving out the first real opening midway through the first half.

Frank Ssebuufu met a teasing delivery from Owori but couldn’t keep his header down, offering URA an early escape. Moments later, however, SC Villa made their pressure count.

A swift attacking move saw Patrick Jonah Kakande release Hassan Mubiru, who showed composure in the box before squaring for Najib Yiga to finish calmly and hand Villa a deserved lead in the 25th minute.

Lubanga Kene ➡️ Kakande ➡️ Mubiru ➡️ Najib Yiga ⚽️#StanbicUgandaCup | #URASCV pic.twitter.com/pFiRS9LDTi

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) May 4, 2026

There had been controversy earlier in the 18th minute when Mubiru’s high challenge on Ronald Otti resulted in a booking for the URA defender instead, a decision that left the hosts frustrated.

In response to going behind, URA head coach Hussein Mbalangu shuffled his pack, introducing captain Moses Aliro before the break in search of stability and leadership at the back.

Despite enjoying more of the ball for the remainder of the half, the Tax Collectors struggled to penetrate a disciplined SC Villa setup, trailing 1-0 at halftime.

URA show 2nd half promise but suffer another Uganda Cup setback

David Lukwago saves Dissan Galiwango’s effort.#StanbicUgandaCup | #URASCV pic.twitter.com/hagSwY5jm0

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) May 4, 2026

After the restart, URA showed more urgency and nearly found a way back in the 67th minute. Disan Galiwango’s powerful free kick looked destined for the top corner, only for goalkeeper David Lukwago to produce a fine save and preserve Villa’s advantage.

As URA pushed forward in search of an equaliser, they were left exposed at the back and SC Villa capitalised in the dying moments. Substitute Andrew Otim applied pressure that forced a costly defensive mix-up, with Moses Aliro inadvertently turning the ball into his own net after a miscommunication with goalkeeper Crispus Kusiima.

Moses O. Aliro under pressure from Andrew Otim puts the ball past Chrispas Kusiima.#StanbicUgandaCup | #URASCV pic.twitter.com/Yv3pFBB0Mt

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) May 4, 2026

The late blow leaves URA with a mountain to climb heading into the return leg on May 16 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, where SC Villa will look to finish the job and book their place in the final.