Saturday May 25, 2024
- Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku 3pm
Two StarTimes Uganda Premier newly promoted sides NEC and Kitara will battle for the Stanbic Uganda Cup on Saturday at Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku.
The two sides missed out on the league title in the closing stages of the campaign but have silverware to fight for come Saturday.
Road to the FINAL
Hussein Mbalangu’s men started the campaign with a 2-1 win away to Northern Division FC with goals from Brian Kayanja and Marvin Kavuma at the round of 64.
In the round of 32, they beat Acholi United 5-0 at home in Lugogo with Joseph Dhata netting a hattrick while Gaddafi Wahab and Marvin Kavuma scored one each.
At the quarter final, NEC beat former finalists Police FC 2-0 with Cromwell Rwothomio and Gaddafi Wahab the master minders after they had eliminated fellow Premier League side Busoga United 1-0 thanks to Joseph Dhata strike in the round of 16.
BUL were the opponents in the semi-final which they eliminated 3-1 over two legs with Dhata scoring home and away and then Cromwell scoring at Lugogo.
Kitara saw off Nebbi Central 2-1 thanks to a brace from George Ssenkaaba away in West Nile at the round of 64.
They eliminated Gaddafi 2-0 at the round of 32 and saw off record league winners SC Villa by the same score line at the round of 16 – both games at the Masindi Municipal stadium.
Then holders Vipers were eliminated following a tense penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw at home.
Pajule Lions were the semi-final opponents and over two legs, they won 4-1 on aggregate.
TEAM NEWS
Joseph Dhata (suspension) and Brian Kayanja (injured) are missing for NEC side while Ibrahim Magandaazi is the only one out for the Royals.
What the coaches say
Hussein Mbalangu (NEC)
“Although the team appeared fatigued due to the long season, we have had a week to recover and hopefully by Saturday the players will have rested enough and recovered. We also know the magnitude of the game thus we shall have to work hard to win the Cup. I am not under any pressure because I have won the trophy as a player and have also reached several finals as a coach especially in Somalia.”
Brian Kayanja (Kitara FC)
“Overcoming stiff competition from powerhouse teams like SC Villa and Vipers SC has been a valuable learning experience for us. By successfully navigating these challenging matches, we have emerged stronger and more resilient making us well prepared and confident as we head into the final.”