The defending champions of the FUFA TV Cup St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK), were knocked out of the competition in the Round of 64 by St. Balikuddembe Mitala Maria in the return leg of the tie, played at SMACK on Friday, July 5th.
The first leg, played at St. Balikuddembe’s home ground, saw the defending champions lose 3-0 to St. Balikuddembe.
Heading into the return leg at St. Mary’s College Kisubi were determined to overturn the deficit and keep their title defense hopes alive.
However, St. Balikuddembe Mitala Maria had other plans. They struck early in the 6th minute, with a goal from Ahabwe Brandon, putting them in the driving seat and extending their aggregate lead to 4-0.
SMACK, though, fought back and managed to equalise against coach Aloysius Ssekate’s in the 34th minute, thanks to a stunning strike by Tukashaba Sherlin.
But their joy was short-lived as St. Balikuddembe Mitala Maria regained the lead less than a minute later, with a goal from Kelly Mukisa.
The first half ended with the visitors leading 2-1 and holding a commanding 5-1 aggregate advantage.
In the second half, SMACK, led by head coach Ronald Malcom Mugalu, mounted a spirited comeback, scoring two more goals, but St. Balikuddembe also pulled one in the half to make it 3-2 on the day.
The defending champions’ efforts were not enough to overturn the first-leg deficit, and they were ultimately knocked out of the competition at the Round of 64 by an aggregate score of 5-3.
After the match, St. Balikuddembe Mitala Maria’s headteacher Anne Najjuka Bukenya expressed her delight in edging the defending champions.
“We are honoured for having taken SMACK out, but we are also glad that they have given us the mantle.” She joyfully said.
