URA FC secured their place in the Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mabira TC on Tuesday afternoon at Nyakasinga Ground in Kasese.
Moses Aliro netted the game’s only goal in the 53rd minute, calmly converting a penalty after he was fouled inside the box.
His composed finish sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, proving to be the decisive moment in a tightly contested affair.
The tax collectors struggled to break down a resilient Mabira TC side in the first half, creating limited goal-scoring opportunities. However, after the restart, their persistence paid off when Aliro won and converted the penalty.
Ivan Ahimbisibwe, James Begisa, and Joseph Ssemujju all had chances to add to the tally but were denied. Ssemujju thought he had doubled the lead late in the game, only for his goal to be ruled offside following a Bruno Bunyaga cross.
Goalkeeper Derrick Ochan was called into action with a brilliant save before full-time, while the defensive duo of Hudu Mulikyi and captain Enock Walusimbi put in a solid shift to keep the hosts at bay as well as left back Faizo Matovu.
Walusimbi and Ssemujju received yellow cards for unsportsmanlike conduct in either half.
URA FC made several changes, with Ssemujju, Bunyaga, George Masembe, and Andrew Vuni replacing Kisolo, Ahimbisibwe, Matovu and Aliro.
After the match, first assistant coach Richard Kasule acknowledged the tough nature of the game and praised his side’s resilience, especially in the challenging heat of Kasese.
With progression to the last 16 confirmed, URA FC now shifts focus to their Uganda Premier League matchday 18 clash against Kitara FC this Saturday, March 1st, at The Royal Park, Butema