Soltilo Bright Stars yet again displayed character as they eliminated KCCA FC from the Stanbic Uganda Cup after their 1-0 win on Sunday at the Kavumba Recreation grounds.
Soltilo Bright Stars yet again displayed character as they eliminated KCCA FC from the Stanbic Uganda Cup after their 1-0 win on Sunday at the Kavumba Recreation grounds.
The result forced KCCA FC manager Morley Byekwaso to throw in the towel, according to sports journalist John Vianney Nsimbe, Byekwaso said in his post-match that his players were no longer reacting to his commands. So, he sees it fit to leave.
Substitute Norodin Bunjo scored the game's only goal with his first touch in the second half.
The game started on a sad note for Soltilo Bright Stars goalkeeper Sanon Mulabi who pulled a hamstring from a goal kick after three minutes.
Hassan Matovu, formerly at KCCA FC, then replaced Mulabi, but there was little to write home about in the goalless first half, with either side cautious in the attack.
After recess, both sides made changes, with Morley Byekwaso bringing on
Tsishungu Kankonde for Julius Poloto in the 57th minute while Asaph Mwebaze brought on Noorodin Bunjo for Kato Frank Kizanyiro a minute later.
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Mandera Alex had the best chance to give Bright Stars the lead, but his overhead kick went over the bar in the 58th minute.
Bunjo then stunned the record cup winners, pouncing on a loose ball off a poor tackle on Francis Kasinde by Iguma Denis to smash the ball to the right top corner and give the hosts the lead in the 61st minute.
However, KCCA FC was not done yet; Four minutes after conceeding, Mato Rogers made his way into the box on the left flank but was fouled by Kasinde Francis, leaving centre referee Semere Asadu with no option but to award a penalty, up stepped Kankonde, but Hassan Matovu saved the penalty.
The visitors had another opportunity in the 83rd minute to level matters when Andy Kyambadde fouled Kankonde at the edge of the penalty box, but Allan Okello's effort went over the bar.
Soltilo Bright Stars were able to see out the game to reach their second-ever semi-final of the competition.
For Asaph Mwebaze, Bunjo's substitution and the team's fighting spirit were the difference.
"The boys showed a fighting spirit, they managed the game well, we knew KCCA FC had the pedigree, and we respected them, "he noted in the post-match interview.
"Bunjo was the turning point; when he came on, we went forward more, which was an advantage.
This is the second consecutive time Bright Stars have eliminated KCCA FC in the Stanbic Uganda Cup, with the first time being last season at the round of 32 stage.
Stanbic Uganda Cup Quarter Final Result.
Soltilo Bright Stars 1 Vs 0 KCCA FC