Stanbic Uganda Cup final
Saturday result
Proline 1(5-4) 1 Bright Stars
Shafik Bisaso won his second major silverware of the 2018/19 season as Proline Coach after his side came through a compelling Stanbic Uganda Cup final to beat ten-man Bright Stars 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 normal time draw at the Masaka recreational grounds on Saturday.
Skipper Nelson Senkatuka missed last Bright Stars’ penalty of a dramatic shoot-out to hand victory to the newly promoted side –their first ever Uganda Cup title and their second major title in club history.
The Premier league outfit took a surprise lead through Senkatuka superb free kick from far right in the 47th minute and defended valiantly, even after they went one man down after Aggrey Kirya’s got red carded after second booking by FIFA referee Ali Sabila for time wasting in the 80th minute.
Senkatuka’s goal came moments after Proline skipper Nordin Bunjo failed to beat goal keeper Hamza Muwonge from close inside the box.
In a match of few goal scoring opportunities, the newly crowned FUFA Big league champions leveled in the 90th minute through Mustafah Mujuzi penalty as the defender netted his 4th goal of the campaign; following a lousy handball by Bright Stars defender Enock Walusimbi.
During the tense shoot out, Proline scored all their kicks winning 5-4 to complete a remarkable season double. Musitafah Mujjuzi, Bright Anukani, Allan Egaku, Ivan Bogere and Hakim Kiwanuka netted for Proline while Farouk Katongole, Samuel Ssekitto, Rajab Kakooza, Methodius Jjungu were on target for Bright Stars before sadly Senkatuka had his kick saved by teenage goalkeeper Hassan Matovu. The striker scored the last kick at Betway Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku as Bright Stars ejected record 10-time joint winners Express FC at the semi finals.
Proline, who will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup next season, won Shs40m courtesy of sponsors Stanbic Bank-Uganda on top of the trophy that was handed to them by FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo in company of the bank’s top representatives. Bright Stars, who also played at their first Cup final, took home Shs20m cash prize. The semi finalists and quarter finalists each got Shs10m and Shs5m respectively.
“It is a dream for me and I want to salute my teammates. It has been team work, motivation and encouragement from our coach and management,” noted Bunjo, who became the youngest captain to lift the Cup title whilst Proline became the first lower division side (Big league) to lift the trophy.
Proline Coach Shafik Bisaso also set a mark after winning a 4th major title, having already had his hands to the Pepsi University league, Airtel-Masaza Cup and FUFA Big league. “We played with no pressure and played our game. They were very physical but I thank my boys for the strong attitude even after chasing the game from behind. This shows that the seeds we dis sow sometime back have yielded fruits,” he noted. Bright Stars Coach Fred Kajoba blamed the loss to ‘biased referring’ despite giving no details about the claims.
Whereas Proline became the next side to lift the title after penalties flowing the 2013/14 season when URA beat KCCA 4-3 after a 2-2 normal time draw in Mbale, defender Saka Mpiima’s had n two the title after two finals with KCCA FC. The veteran right back, who has two league medals (with KCCA FC) thus, celebrated his maiden Cup medal on Saturday just like other Proline players.
Proline’s Mujjuzi won both tournament most valuable player (MVP) and (joint) top scorer’s gongs, earning two 42 inch Hisense plasma Television sets. Kyetume’s Kambugu Cephas, who also had four goals, received a set of 42’ Hisense TV set in absentia courtesy of Stanbic Bank. Bright Stars’ goalkeeper Benson Wagima was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament accolade, earning a 42 inch television set as well.
