It is 12 years since Express last won the Uganda Cup title. And after reaching the quarterfinal stage after falling to lower league side Kitara over the last three seasons, the Red Eagles are desperate for glory.
This is after they ejected Police 4-1 in a penalty shootout on Monday after the two sides had initially played out a goalless draw at the Betway Muteesa II Stadium.
“There’s no doubt, just know that we want to win this trophy it’s our target to win it, it’s what we are working for,” goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga said after the game.
He turned out to be the game’s hero saving two penalties in the shootout, one from Juma Balinya and the other from old boy Edgar Bwogi.
“To me it’s a normal thing but first of all I will thank the coaches for trusting me back in goal. They saw my abilities and trusted me and I have not let them down. I promise the fans this is the trophy we are looking at,” he further stated.
In a game of few chances Ibrahim Kayiwa missed Express’ best chance with the midfielder seeing his volley from a cleverly worked freekick routine being tipped over the bar.
Michale Birungi also twice failed to make of good buildup work as the game stayed goalless in regulation time.
The late additions of strikers Brian Umony and Tony Odur did little to improve the areas before the two teams went for the shootout.
Birungi, Disan Galilwango, Lawrence Kigonya and Tony Odur then all converted their spot kicks for victory.
“It wasn’t a bad game, you know every knockout game is tough it was a 50-50 game we got the chances but we couldn’t score but we had the hope that even if it’s a draw we shall edge it in penalties".
The game was coach George Ssimwogerere’s third in charge after the 1-0 loss to Bul and the 2-0 away victory over Nyamityobora in Mbarara.
They now join Bright Stars Vipers SC, BUL FC , Kyetume, Proline, Wakiso Giants and Nebbi Central as the other teams in the last eight of this year’s competition.
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