Holders, Kitara FC pipped 2022 Champions BuL FC 1-0 in a second Quarter-final tie played on Sunday evening, becoming the other side to secure a spot in the last-four of the 51st edition.
In a rollcaster contest packed with drama, chaos, and three red cards cards, it was Arthur Kiggundu’s late strike that ultimately sealed the win for the Hoima-based entity.
At the break, it remained goalless, with both teams knowing they needed more urgency to change the script at Royals Park playground in Butema.
The game grew tense in the second half, with bookings and limited rhythm due to injuries, substitutions and drama witnessed towards the end of the bout.
Coming back from recess, Karim Ndugwa came closest to breaking the deadlock for the Eastern giants but his volley at edge of the box rafted the cross-bar.
An outburst and a brawl erupted between the two sides after the 60-minute hour mark, that saw Bul’s Jeromy Kirya and Kitara’s Titus Ssematimba receive marching orders from referee Henry Musisi.
The hosts finally got a winner in the 86th minute, defender Arthur Kiggundu with a stunning free-kick before Nicholas Mwere red card in injury time for a second bookable offence, and Abbey Kikomeko attempted attacks on the match official.
Kitara join joint record holders KCCA FC in semis who also had to dig deep on Saturday to scramble past FUFA Big League representatives, Kaaro Karungi FC at Kyamate Stadium in Western Uganda.
