The Round of 64 for this year’s Stanbic Uganda Cup has concluded, with the West Nile region originally fielding eight representative clubs. Representatives included Star Times Uganda Premier League side Calvary FC (based in Midigo, Yumbe), FUFA Big League sides Nebbi Central FC, Paidha Black Angels SC and Onduparaka FC, alongside regional division sides Pakwach Young Stars, Kuluva Rainbow, Ombachi Pride and Paidha United.
However, following the fixtures played between February 4th and 10th, West Nile is left with only a single representative moving forward to the Round of 32.
The 2016 finalists, Onduparaka FC, who failed to honor their Round of 64 fixtures in previous editions due to logistical challenges, made a defiant comeback. Despite traveling hundreds of miles to Kabale with only 11 players and no head coach, they secured a 3-1 victory over Kabale City FC at the Kabale Municipal Stadium. Defying the odds, 'The Caterpillars' thumped the hosts courtesy of goals from Jimmy Pirio, Jonathan Mungufeni, and Michael Kedi, while Kabale City found a consolation goal through Abton Niwamanya.
The rest of the region's contingent faced a tougher fate. Topflight side Calvary FC was stunned after a 3-1 comeback by non-league outfit Football Classroom. Similarly, 2017 finalists Paidha Black Angels exited the competition following a 2-1 away loss to Pajule Lions, while Nebbi Central fell 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw away to Red Devo.
In the games hosted within West Nile, Caesor Okhuti's Pakwach Young Stars suffered heartbreak; a late equalizer by Express FC forced a penalty shootout, which the Red Eagles won 7-6. Ombachi Pride was eliminated after a slim 1-0 loss to top-flight side Entebbe UPPC FC, while Paidha United fell 3-1 to Maroons FC at Bar Okoro Stadium. Kuluva Rainbow missed out on the Round of 32 after losing 3-2 on spot kicks to Ntungasaze following a 1-1 draw.
To date, no West Nile side has won the Stanbic Uganda Cup, with the region’s best performances being the runner-up spots held by Onduparaka in 2016 and Paidha Black Angels the subsequent year. The winner of this prestigious competition earns the right to represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup.
