In a nail-biting encounter, Police FC edged out Karadali FC 1-0 to secure a spot in the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 32.
The Uganda Premier League side’s victory was sealed by a towering header from defender Daniel Jakony in the 70th minute, expertly converting Emmanuel Mugume’s precision free-kick.
Despite their superior league status, Police FC struggled to breach the defenses of their Fifth Division opponents, Karadali FC.
The match, held at Orum Primary School playground in Otuke, saw Police FC’s Allan Bukenya miss the target from a promising free-kick, while Ben Ocen squandered a gilt-edged one-on-one opportunity set up by Herman Wasswa.
Brian Obedi’s effort was also thwarted by Karadali’s goalkeeper, who produced a stunning save.
The hard-fought win marks a crucial step for Police FC, who were eliminated by NEC FC in last season’s quarterfinals.
As they advance to the next round, Police FC will be eager to replicate or surpass their previous campaign, fueled by the determination to make a deeper impact in the tournament.
In other fixtures, CATDA secured a resounding 3-0 triumph over Mawokota United on their home turf in Buwama, thereby booking their spot in the next round.
Elsewhere, Mbarara City edged past Junior Eagles in a tense penalty shootout, emerging victorious with a 5-3 scoreline after the match had ended in a stalemate following normal time.
