KCCA FC began the new season with silverware after edging NEC FC 1-0 in a fiercely contested FUFA Super 8 final at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Tuesday.
Saidi Mayanja’s first-half penalty proved enough to settle a tense encounter in which NEC pushed hard for an equaliser but ultimately found KCCA’s defence and goalkeeper Mutwalibu Mugolofa in inspired form.
The decisive moment came in the 35th minute, shortly after NEC had missed an excellent opportunity to take the lead.
Richard Basangwa rose to meet a promising chance but headed wide, and moments later the match took a dramatic turn.
KCCA were awarded a penalty after Daniel Shabene was judged to have made contact with Yunus Sibira inside the box.
NEC players reacted angrily to the decision, but the referee stood by the call.
Mayanja kept his composure amid the protests, stepping forward to dispatch a powerful spot-kick beyond Hannington Ssebwalunyo and give KCCA the advantage.
NEC returned from the interval with renewed purpose and pressed aggressively for a leveller.
KCCA, though, remained compact and disciplined, limiting their opponents’ clear openings.
The Kasasiro Boys had a chance to create breathing room ten minutes after the restart. Emmanuel Anyama released Sibira into a promising position, but the midfielder sent his effort over the crossbar.
As NEC intensified the pressure in the closing stages, KCCA’s defensive resolve was tested repeatedly. Their biggest scare came six minutes from full time when Enrique Lubwama unleashed a fierce long-range strike.
Mugolofa responded brilliantly, throwing himself across goal to palm the effort away and preserve KCCA’s narrow lead.
The final whistle confirmed KCCA’s triumph and a significant milestone for the club, who had gone eight years without major silverware.
The victory therefore carried significance beyond the Super 8 trophy, marking the end of a prolonged wait for success and giving the Kasasiro Boys an early-season boost.
Mayanja was rewarded for his match-winning display with the MVP award, while Basangwa finished as the tournament’s leading scorer.
Mugolofa claimed the Best Goalkeeper accolade, with NEC FC earning the Fair Play award.
Tournament Accolades
MVP: Saidi Mayanja
Top Scorer: Richard Basangwa
Best Goalkeeper: Mutwalibu Mugolofa
Fair Play Award: NEC FC
