SC Villa had to dig deep to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lugazi in Najjembe, booking their spot in the Uganda Cup quarter-finals.
The Jogoos found the breakthrough in the 69th minute when substitute Reagan Mpande capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home the winner.
Lugazi, who had not conceded in their previous two Uganda Cup outings, started brightly, with Hussein Ssenonga and Frank Mulimi testing Villa’s defense early on.
Meddie Kibirige denied Ssenonga, while Villa’s Matovu produced a fine save to stop Mulimi’s powerful effort.
SC Villa also squandered a golden opportunity when Juma Mutebi’s defensive blunder left Sula Matovu with an open goal, but the forward failed to convert.
Francis Onekalit thought he had given Villa the lead in the second half, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.
Lugazi nearly forced extra time, but substitute Ian Amannya missed a late chance after being set up by Sharif Saaka.
Villa’s victory not only secured their place in the last eight but also ended Lugazi’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
The Jogoos now join BUL, Kitara, and Police in the quarter-finals, with the draw for the next round set to be conducted soon.
