The Stanbic Uganda Cup returns to action today, Wednesday, February 19, with three fixtures lined up as teams battle for a place in the round of 16.
Joint record champions Express FC, who have won the tournament 10 times alongside KCCA, travel to Yumbe to face West Nile Regional League side Total FC.
The Red Eagles, last crowned Uganda Cup winners in 2007, will be eager to reclaim past glory and inch closer to a record 11th title.
Their last major silverware came in 2021 when they won the Uganda Premier League during the COVID-19-affected season.
Four years without a trophy has heightened their hunger for success, making today’s clash a crucial step in their quest.
However, they a face challenge of shortage of manpower, as four of their key players, including captain Emmanuel Alex Wasswa, striker Sam Ssenyonjo, winger Richard Basangwa and defender Derrick Ngoobi are all unavailable for the clash.
Elsewhere, nine-time Uganda Cup winners SC Villa take on Simba in Namulonge.
The Jogoos, fresh from last season’s league triumph— their record-extending 17th UPL title— aim to match Express and KCCA’s Uganda Cup record.
Their league form this season has been underwhelming, as they sit eighth, 16 points behind leaders Vipers.
However, their recent 1-0 victory over Express in the UPL on Saturday offers a morale boost as they switch focus to the knockout competition.
Simba, who eliminated Mbale Heroes with a 3-2 victory in the previous round, will be looking to cause another upset by taking down another Uganda Premier League side.
SC Villa reached this stage after a comfortable 3-0 win over Seeta United. The Jogoos last lifted the Uganda Cup in 2015 after edging KCCA in the final, and they are keen to make another deep run in the tournament.
In the third fixture of the day, Rwenzori Lions host Buhimba United Saints in a lower-division contest.
The Uganda Cup action will continue on Thursday with another set of three fixtures, including a high-profile clash between Vipers SC and Mbarara City at Kitende.
Defending champions Kitara FC will be on the road to face CATDA FC in Kibuli.
The round of 32 will then wrap up next week on Monday and Tuesday, concluding on Wednesday with a showdown between Uganda Premier League sides Maroons and Wakiso Giants.
The eventual winner of the tournament will earn a ticket to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup, adding extra motivation for teams to push for cup glory.
