In a captivating showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, SC Villa fought valiantly but narrowly fell short in a dramatic penalty shootout against BUL FC. Despite the heartbreak of a 6-5 defeat on penalties, our boys showcased incredible determination and skill throughout the match, leaving an indelible mark on the FUFA Super Eight semifinal. The pulsating clash unfolded on a memorable Monday evening at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Throughout the encounter, our goalkeeper, Meddie Kibirige, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the team’s cause and so was his counterpart on the other end Joel Mutakubwa who also made crucial saves, including a sensational block on Patrick Kakande’s powerful strike in the closing stages of the second half. Mutakubwa’s heroics were evident from the outset, as he thwarted the early attempts of Ivan Bogere and Umar Lutalo, setting the tone for our resolute attack.
Our efforts would be shortly rewarded when Peter Onzima managed to find the back of the net with a clinical finish, after skillfully receiving a pass from Ivan Bogere and left Mutakubwa with little chance to deny us.
However, our celebrations were momentarily silenced when the hosts were awarded a penalty as Reagan Kalyowa was brought down in the box. Samuel Ssekamatte stepped up to the penalty spot confidently, converting a well-placed shot to level the playing field. This crucial moment injected a renewed sense of hope and determination into the home side as we approached halftime.
As the second half unfolded, both teams engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth battle, each vying for supremacy. The match evolved into an end-to-end spectacle, with both sides producing chances but struggling to find the final touch. A notable opportunity saw BUL’s Nicholas Mwere’s free-kick sail over the crossbar, followed by Ssekamatte’s attempt from inside the box, which narrowly missed its mark.
Despite our relentless efforts, the ninety minutes of regulation play concluded with both teams deadlocked at 1-1, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Unfortunately, luck was not on our side during the spot-kick showdown, as Ronald Ssekiganda and Kenneth Ssemakula saw their attempts thwarted by the formidable Mutakubwa, dashing our hopes of securing a spot in the final.
Our players exhibited immense courage and determination throughout the match, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the club’s legacy. Umar Lutalo, Edward Masembe, Hamza Mulambuzi, Patrick Kakande, and Hakim Mutebi all contributed with precision and skill, each making their mark on the penalty shootout.
While the final score ultimately favoured BUL FC with a 6-5 victory on penalties, our performance was a testament to the strength and resilience of our team. We held our heads high and gave it our all, demonstrating the true spirit of SC Villa on the grand stage of the FUFA Super Eight.
As we reflect on this gripping encounter, we remain proud of the efforts displayed by our beloved team. Although we may not have secured a place in the final this time, the future holds countless opportunities for us to continue striving for excellence. Our journey continues, and we look forward to the upcoming season.
The highly anticipated final of the FUFA Super Eight is scheduled to take place on September 3, 2023, with the venue to be announced in due course. Onward, together, #WeAreJogoos
