KCCA cruised into the quarterfinals of the 51st Stanbic Uganda Cup with a commanding 4-0 victory over Kitara Regional League side Rwenzori Lions at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Tuesday night.
A brace from left-back James Mubezi and goals from Sadat Anaku and Etienne Katenga sealed an emphatic win for the record 10-time cup winners in their first-ever Uganda Cup match played under floodlights.
The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance, breaking the deadlock in the 9th minute when Mubezi reacted quickest to tap in a well-delivered corner from Usama Arafat.
Rwenzori Lions struggled to contain the relentless pressure, but their goalkeeper Masereka pulled off a fine save to deny Sharifu Ssengendo’s long-range effort in the 18th minute.
KCCA had several chances to extend their lead before the break, but Anaku, who was lively throughout, squandered a glorious opportunity with only the keeper to beat.
Rwenzori’s best moment of the game came in the 30th minute when they threatened an equalizer, but KCCA captain Filbert Obenchan was alert to clear the ball off the line.
After the break, KCCA continued their dominance, and just two minutes into the second half, Mubezi turned provider, setting up Anaku for a composed finish to double the lead.
Derrick Nsibambi and Etienne Katenga were introduced for Anaku and Arafat, and the fresh legs kept KCCA on the front foot. Mubezi completed his brace in the 68th minute, pouncing on a defensive error to make it 3-0.
With the game all but sealed, Katenga added the finishing touch in stoppage time, calmly slotting in the fourth goal to cap off a fine evening for KCCA.
Despite the dominant display, the scoreline could have been even bigger, with Anaku missing a second one-on-one chance and Ssengendo forcing another save from Masereka.
The victory sees KCCA join SC Villa, BUL, Police, and Kitara in the quarterfinals as they aim to end their cup title drought.
The Kasasiro Boys, who last lifted the Uganda Cup in 2018, will see this competition as a potential path back to continental football, with the winners earning a direct CAF Confederation Cup slot.
After the international break, KCCA will shift focus to the Uganda Premier League, where they will face Soltilo Bright Stars on March 28.
