The Uganda Cranes Select team came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory against reigning StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa in their first leg of FUFA Super 8 quarter-finals at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Saturday.
The win earns the Select team an advantage over the Jogoos ahead of the return leg that will be played on Wednesday, August 7, at Lugogo.
Villa initially took the lead with a well-placed finish from Arnold Odongo in the 21st minute.
Despite the setback, Coach Sam Ssimbwa’s side rallied, with Isaac Ogwang levelling the score from the penalty spot just four minutes later.
The first half concluded with both teams locked at 1-1, but it was the Select team that emerged with renewed vigor after the break, culminating in a goal by Godfrey Ssekibengo in the 59th minute.
The Jogoos struggled to regain their footing, and despite some efforts, they were unable to find an equaliser as the Select team held firm.
The match was not without its close calls; Villa’s Patrick Jonah Kakande struck the crossbar early on, and Amisi Bwangani nearly added to the scoreline with a free kick that rattled the woodwork.
However, it was the Uganda Cranes Select team that ultimately capitalised on their chances to emerge victorious.
Meanwhile, Kitara FC edged out KCCA FC 1-0 in their first-leg quarterfinal earlier in the day, thanks to a 25th-minute goal from Denis Omedi.
Despite KCCA’s dominant second-half performance, they were unable to convert their chances, leaving Kitara with a crucial advantage heading into the return leg on Tuesday, August 6.
This year’s competition features the top seven teams from the 2023/24 StarTimes Premier League season, alongside a select team comprising players from other clubs, including free agents.
On Friday, Vipers and NEC, together with Maroons and BUL, who are the other teams in the tournament, played out to 0-0 and 1-1 draws respectively, at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
Vipers will take on NEC on Tuesday, August 6, while Maroons will verse BUL the following day.
