URA FC advanced to the Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 16 after a tense penalty shootout victory, defeating Blacks Power FC 6-5 following a 0-0 stalemate at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.
Neither side could break the deadlock during regular time, forcing penalties to decide who progressed. Blacks Power, current leaders of the FUFA Big League, lived up to their reputation as tough opposition, frustrating their top-flight hosts throughout a closely contested match.
URA entered the fixture under pressure to end a concerning home winless streak stretching back to a 7-3 league victory over Buhimba United on November 26th, 2025. Their recent form showed just three wins in 18 matches across all competitions.
Head coach Hussein Mbalangu had warned his team against underestimating the Big League leaders, a caution rooted in experience. Blacks Power previously eliminated Mbalangu’s former side, NEC FC, in a 2025 cup upset.
Mbalangu opted for an attacking lineup, handing a first start this season to the returning Isma Mugulusi. He deployed Bruno Bunyaga, Joseph Ssemujju, and youngster Denis Kisiriko as his front three, with Mugulusi operating in support.
URA created the better chances in the first half. Ssemujju spurned the clearest opportunity in the 34th minute, blazing Mugulusi’s precise cross over the bar. Blacks Power almost punished URA just before the break when Baker Buyala, set up by Joshua Omara after he beat Justin Opiro, ballooned his effort off target. Buyala’s goal drought this season continued.
The hosts threatened again late in the half, but Isma Mugulusi’s low drive was bravely blocked by towering defender Ronald Owiny, ensuring the sides went in level.
Seeking a breakthrough, Mbalangu introduced fresh legs at halftime, bringing on captain Moses Aliro and Fred Amaku.
The woodwork denied URA twice in the second half. First, Joseph Ssemujju’s powerful shot cannoned off the crossbar. His replacement, Olimi Nyarwa, then rattled the right-hand post, compounding URA’s frustration as the match drifted towards a barren draw and penalties.
In the shootout, URA goalkeeper Martin Ssenkooto crucially saved Ssekibengo Godfrey’s spot kick. Norman Namanya then held his nerve to convert the decisive penalty, securing a 6-5 shootout win for the Tax Collectors after Olimi Nyarwa, Hudu Mulikyi, Moses Aliro, and Fred Amaku had also scored from the spot.
Elsewhere, Onduparaka joined URA, Kitara, Vipers, Express and KCCA FC to the next round after edging non league side, Football Classroom 5-4 in a penalty shoot out following a barren stalemate after normal play.
