The Stanbic Uganda Cup returns with Round of 32 action this Wednesday, February 19, as fifteen StarTimes Uganda Premier League teams shift focus from league duties to knockout competition. Among the day’s fixtures, joint record holders Express FC and nine-time champions SC Villa face away tests against regional league opponents. Express travel to Yumbe to take on Total FC, while Villa visit Namulonge to battle Simba FC.
Express FC, who last lifted the Uganda Cup in 2007, are determined to break their silverware drought and inch closer to a record 11th title. Their last major triumph came in 2021 when they won the Uganda Premier League, but four trophyless years have heightened their hunger for success. However, the Red Eagles will have to navigate this tie without several key players, including captain Emmanuel Alex Wasswa, striker Sam Ssenyonjo, winger Richard Basangwa, and defender Derrick Ngoobi.
SC Villa, fresh off their record-extending 17th Uganda Premier League title last season, are looking to add to their nine Uganda Cup titles and match the records of Express and KCCA. The Jogoos have struggled in the league this season, sitting eighth and trailing leaders Vipers by 16 points. However, their recent 1-0 win over Express in the UPL offers a timely morale boost. They face a Simba side that stunned Mbale Heroes 3-2 in the previous round and will be eager to claim another big scalp.
Elsewhere, Rwenzori Lions will host Buhimba United Saints in an all-lower-division fixture as both sides chase a spot in the Round of 16. The Uganda Cup continues on Thursday with three more matches, highlighted by a clash between Vipers SC and Mbarara City at Kitende. Defending champions Kitara FC will also be in action, traveling to face CATDA FC in Kibuli.
The Round of 32 concludes next week, with matches set for Monday and Tuesday before wrapping up on Wednesday with a highly anticipated encounter between Uganda Premier League sides Maroons and Wakiso Giants. The tournament’s unpredictability makes every match a potential thriller, with lower-tier teams eager to upset their top-flight counterparts.
With the ultimate prize being a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, teams have extra motivation to push for cup glory. As the competition progresses, Uganda’s elite clubs will be wary of the rising underdogs seeking to make history in the country’s most prestigious knockout tournament
