Substitute Solomon Okwalinga scored the all-important goal for Kitara FC in the 73rd minute to beat NEC 1-0 at Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku to win their first-ever Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Okwalinga capitalised on NEC defender Kelvin Barni’s laziness to deal with a shot from Denis Omedi to flick it beyond Benjamin Ochan’s reach to give Kitara the lead. The former Mbarara City midfielder was introduced in the 56th minute, replacing Frank Tumwesigye.
Before Kitara took the lead, they had been second-best right from the start. NEC was the better side but was wasteful, especially Cromwell Rwothomio who should have scored a hat trick in the first half. Rwothomio also missed a tap in the second half to give his side the lead.
Kitara goalkeeper Jamil Kiyimba too deserves credit for being a rock in the posts, he made three important saves in the first half to keep his side in the game, denying Allan Mugalu and Rwothomio twice. As it has been throughout the entire season for their away games, Kitara fans came to Wankulukuku in big numbers to back their side and painted the stadium red.
Wankulukuku has also been a good place for the Royals this season. They have been victorious on all three visits. First, beating SC Villa and Express in the league, and now NEC in the final.
- By New Vision.