Sports Club Villa required patience and precision to overcome spirited fourth-division side Happy Boyz Kagaba, securing a narrow 1–0 victory to book their place in the semi-finals of the 52nd Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Played on a sunlit Easter Monday at Kagaba Primary School Playground in Kassanda District, the contest proved far more demanding than anticipated for the record holders.
Happy Boyz Kagaba, buoyed by home support, displayed remarkable organization and confidence, frustrating Villa for long spells and growing into the game with each passing minute.
The hosts, marshalled by a lively attacking unit comprising Moses Ssemugga, Allan Jjumba, Pius Kamoga on the left flank, the nimble Eddie Bulwanyi, and second-half substitute Stuart Kezaala, repeatedly tested Villa’s defensive structure.
However, the Jogoo backline, anchored by goalkeeper David Lukwago, stood firm under sustained pressure.
With the match seemingly drifting towards a stalemate, Villa introduced tactical adjustments and committed more numbers forward—a shift that ultimately proved decisive.
In the 71st minute, Najib Yiga delivered a well-weighted free kick that was expertly nodded across goal by Patrick Jonah Kakande into the path of an unmarked Andrew Otim, who calmly tapped in at the back post to silence the vibrant home crowd.
The breakthrough sparked jubilant celebrations among the SC Villa players and their traveling supporters, moments after FIFA referee Shamirah Nabadda signaled the final whistle.
Villa now joins three other contenders in the semi-finals, completing a competitive last-four line-up.
Vipers SC advanced after a tense penalty shootout victory over NEC, prevailing 4–3 following a goalless draw in regulation time at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) demonstrated resilience of their own, overturning a two-goal deficit to force penalties against Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), before triumphing 4–2 in the shootout at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Holy Saturday.
Kitara FC, meanwhile, delivered the most emphatic result of the round, sweeping aside Express FC 3–0 at Royal Park in Butema on Easter Sunday.
Former Express players proved decisive, with George Ssenkaaba netting a brace and Alex Emmanuel Wasswa adding the third to seal a dominant victory.
With the semi-final stage now set, the race for Uganda’s prestigious domestic cup intensifies, promising high-stakes encounters as the remaining four sides battle for silverware.
