Kataka Football Club, a FUFA Big League team based in Mbale, has secured a place in the semi-finals of the 51st Stanbic Uganda Cup, after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Police Football Club.
Kataka FC’s win makes it the only second team from Mbale to reach the cup’s semifinals after Mbale Heroes which won the cup in 1999.
The quarter-final match took place at Kavumba Recreation Ground on April 22, 2025
The tightly contested game ended 0-0 after both regular time and the additional 30 minutes of extra time, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
Police FC created more scoring chances during normal time, with Dennis Kalanzi coming closest when his header struck the lower post following a cross from Emmanuel Mugume.
However, Kataka FC held firm defensively despite finishing the game with 10 men after Emmanuel Kulanga was sent off in extra time for a reckless challenge on Reagan Male
The outcome was ultimately decided by penalties, where Kataka FC triumphed 3-0.
Kataka’s successful spot-kicks were converted by Makas Aka, Muhammed Biafula, and Ali Sentamu.
In contrast, all of Police’s attempts hit the crossbar, with skipper Tonny Kiwalazi, Gaddafi “Augustine” Kacancu, and Ben Ocen missing their shots
This victory means Kataka FC joins KCCA FC, Vipers SC, and defending champions Kitara FC in the semi-finals of the Uganda Cup. Notably, Kataka FC had also advanced from the round of 16 by eliminating URA FC on penalties at Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds (Hamz Stadium)
The winner of the Uganda Cup will earn the prestigious opportunity to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup
