Lugazi FC are through to the round of 32 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup season 2024/25. The Leaders advanced to this stage after a 2-0 victory over fourth tier side Mayuge United on Wednesday.

This match looked about as you would expect one between a team in the Uganda premier league and another from the lower divisions. Lots of running, high energy and effort levels, and advanced catchy skills from the Leaders, and not so much of that from the hosts.

Obviously, Lugazi FC dominated the proceedings at Wembley play ground in Mayuge town, and should have easily won the game by a big margin but they were limited by the unfamiliar hard playing surface and the scotching weather conditions.

Nevertheless, the Leaders opened the scores in the 26th minute when Sam Ssemugugu fantastically brushed in a close range header off a Derrick Mwanje delivery from the right.

The forward turned provider eleven minutes later with a perfect ball to Abdul Kalanzi who drilled in a ground sweeping shot past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box which gifted the Leaders a two goal advantage at the break.

The second half was a bit even. Already 2-0 up, the Leaders resorted to energy reservation as they recycled the ball around to manage the game. The approach gave the opponents some encouragement to commit some bodies infront but Steven Bogere’s men could not afford them any chance to breakthrough.

Goalkeeper George William Oluka, and youngster Akiram Massa got their competitive debuts at the club during the contest. Oluka started between the uprights and played the entire first half before he was replaced by Juma Mutebi at the restart. Massa took up the place of Abdul Kalanzi in the 68th minute and was tasked to marshal the midfield with ever green Bayo Ali – something he did perfectly well.

Lugazi FC will learn the next Uganda cup opponent as and when the draw of the round of 32 is conducted.

Starting XI:

George William Oluka (GK) (Juma Mutebi 46’), Nelson Mandela, Moses Buga (Emmanuel Obua 58’), Wasswa Paul, Richard Ayiko ©, Bayo Ali, Alvin Birungi (Sharif Saaka 58’), Derrick Mwanje, Sam Ssemugugu (Bashamu Mugwa 77’), Abdul Kalanzi (Akiram Massa 68’), Freedom Mungudit.

Unused substitutes:

Fahad Emuran, Juma Sajjabi, Ian Amanya, Lubega Muhammad.