There is no sugarcoating the pain of a final, but true champions are defined by how they rise after a fall.Our quest for a historic 10th Stanbic Uganda Cup title came to a heartbreaking end at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Despite a relentless fight from the boys, a narrow 2-1 defeat to Kitara FC means our return to the CAF Confederation Cup will have to wait just a little longer.
We fell short of the ultimate prize, but the fight, the passion, and the blue spirit remained unbroken until the final whistle.
Early Dream, Instant Reply
We couldn’t have asked for a better start. The boys came out with intent, and in the 11th minute, the Njeru turf erupted. Our energetic left-back, Simon Ssemayange, unleashed a fierce effort that took a deflection off Patrick Kaddu and flew into the back of the net to give us an early, deserved lead. Kitara found an equalizer just a minute later, capitalizing on a low corner routine via Missi Diego Ssemugera.We regrouped well, continuing to push the tempo and ask questions of their backline, heading into the break level at 1-1 with everything left to play for.
A Costly Reset
The game turned on its head immediately after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, a rare defensive miscue and a failed clearance allowed Kitara’s Kalema to slot home their second.
From that moment on, it was one-way traffic. The Jogoos showed immense character, throwing everything in the kitchen sink at the opposition.
We created numerous clear-cut opportunities and pinned Kitara back in their own half for the remainder of the match. Sadly, that elusive final touch deserted us when we needed it most.
Proudly Blue: Reflections on the 25/26 Season
While today stings deeply, we must look at the foundation we have built this season.
StarTimes Uganda Premier League: 3rd Place Finish
Stanbic Uganda Cup: Finalists
FUFA Super 8: Champions
We wanted silver, and we wanted continental football for our incredible fans who have traveled the length and breadth of the country to back us. We didn’t get it today, and our wait for a first Uganda Cup since 2015 continues.
But this is not the end of the road; it is fuel for the fire.To the 26/27 Campaign , The technical team and the players will take a well-deserved break, but the work behind the scenes for the 2026/27 season begins immediately. We will analyze, we will rebuild, and we will come back stronger, hungrier, and more determined to bring silverware back to Villa.
Thank you for your unwavering support through every high and low this season, Jogoos. The future remains Blue.
