KCCA FC lifted the FUFA Super 8 trophy on Tuesday, ending an eight-year wait with a 1-0 victory over NEC FC at Nakivubo Stadium. Saidi Mayanja’s 35th-minute penalty proved decisive after a controversial call by referee Nasser Muhammad, who awarded the spot following alleged contact between Daniel Shabene and Yunus Sibira.
Mayanja, the star boy, kept his composure amid Die Hards’ outrage as he coolly converted the spot-kick. NEC fought back post-break, with Enrique Lubwama missing a late chance, but KCCA’s Mutwalibu Mugolofa saved the day with a critical stoppage.
NEC’s Richard Basangwa had earlier been denied a goal by the same referee’s decision. Basangwa’s headed effort was ruled off after Sibira’s clear contact. The arbitration sparked heckling from NEC supporters.
KCCA’s defence, anchored by Mutwalibu, remained resolute. Anyama’s cross for Sibira struck the crossbar, while Lubwama’s long-range strike was saved in the 84th minute. The win marks KCCA’s first Super 8 title.
The tournament saw Saidi Mayanja named MVP, Mutwalibu as best goalkeeper, and NEC earning fair play. In the third-place playoff, SC Villa beat Kirara FC 4-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
The main talking point in Kampala is whether the penalty decision was correct. NEC fans argue Sibira did not foul Shabene, while KCCA supporters believe the call justified the spot-kick. Ask any Die Hard and they’ll say NEC’s protests cost them silverware.
SC Villa’s bronze medal spot completes KCCA’s dominance. They now aim to capitalize on this momentum in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
Source: ChimpReports
