Monday, January 24
•Free Stars (6)1-1(7) Bright Stars
•Jinja North (2)1-1(4) Maroons
•Soroti FC 0-3 UPDF
•Ateker (4)1-1(2) Lugazi Municipal
Tuesday, January 25
•Bujumbura United Vs Paidha Black Angels – Hoima
•Iganga Young FC Vs Calvary FC – Iganga
Bright Stars reached this year’s Uganda Cup round of 32 after eliminating Free Stars 7-6 on Penalties in a round of 64 game held at the Mukono Bishops grounds on Monday.
The game ended 1-1 in normal time with Bright Stars scoring late in the 80th minute through Joseph Janjali. Free Stars Captain Alex Kitonsa had earlier put the hosts into the lead before half time.
Playing at home, the hosts earned a dream starter after their skipper Kitonsa put them ahead in the 26th minute of the game.
However, despite going a goal down, the visitors also had Chances to level matters before half time but missed a couple.
Janjali saw his effort saved for a corner, Nelson Senkatuka missed twice as he saw his effort go wide when outside the area before missing when on one on one situation with Free Stars goalkeeper.
At the restart of the second stanza, Bright Stars continued with their search for the equaliser as they lanched various attacks.
Finally with 10 minutes to play, Janjali levelled matters heading in off Bugembe’s long throw in to put his side back into the game. With game now back to level, it only meant that Penalties could be used to decide the contest.
From the Spot kicks, debutant Issa Bugembe, Odong Jonathan, Omony Kaka Denis, Joseph Janjali, Nvule Jamir, Ssenkatuka Nelson, Jungu Methodius all converted their spots in to see their side reach the next stage.
Speaking after a hard fought win, Bright Stars head coach Simon Peter Mugerwa was quick to express his delight.
“We are happy that at last we won this game . We got many chances in both halves but failed to convert any but we finally got the equaliser and got back into the game. This will give us an opportunity to plan for our next opponent in this competition and the league.”
Victory saw Bright Stars join other teams that include Onduparaka, Wakiso Giants, Busoga United, Booma FC, Rusekere Growers, Kajjansi United among others who have already progresses to the next stage.
They will now wait for the draws to be conducted by the Competitions department at a later date to learn their next opponents at the round of 32.
