KAMPALA — KCCA FC have won the 2026 FUFA Super 8 title after edging NEC FC 1-0 in the final at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Tuesday evening.
Saidi Mayanja scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 38th minute, while goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa produced a crucial late save to preserve KCCA’s lead and secure the Kasasiro Boys their second FUFA Super 8 crown.
The final, played before a lively crowd in Nakivubo, began at a high tempo as both sides looked to impose themselves.
KCCA created the first clear opportunity in the 16th minute when Shafik Kwikiriza used his pace and footwork to beat his marker before curling his effort narrowly wide.
The physical nature of the contest soon produced the first bookings. Yunus Sibira was cautioned in the 20th minute for a late challenge on NEC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, while Joseph Sseremba went into the referee’s book eight minutes later for a foul on Lazaro Muhindo.
KCCA broke the deadlock in the 36th minute after Sibira was pulled back inside the NEC penalty area, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
Mayanja took responsibility two minutes later, sending Ssebwalunyo the wrong way to give KCCA a 1-0 lead at half-time.
NEC came out looking for an equaliser after the break, but KCCA remained dangerous on the counter.
In the 54th minute, Emmanuel Anyama created an opening for Sibira, but the midfielder’s effort sailed over the crossbar.
KCCA coach Brian Ssenyondo made his first changes in the 60th minute, introducing Kennedy Muserero and Fahad Ismail for Anyama and Kwikiriza as the Kasasiro Boys sought to maintain their intensity.
The game became increasingly physical, with KCCA defenders Fillbert Obenchan and Maxwell Owachgiu and NEC forward James Jarieko all receiving yellow cards within a 10-minute spell.
Ssenyondo made another adjustment in the 71st minute, bringing on Ashraf Mugume for the booked Sibira.
NEC then pushed forward in search of an equaliser and came closest in the 84th minute.
Lubwama unleashed a powerful effort towards the top corner, but Mugolofa stretched full length to produce a spectacular save and keep KCCA in front.
Three minutes later, KCCA almost put the contest beyond NEC’s reach. Muserero broke forward on the counter-attack and got a shot away, but Ssebwalunyo reacted quickly to deny him.
KCCA survived the remaining minutes and stoppage time to secure the 1-0 victory and lift the FUFA Super 8 trophy for the second time.
The Kasasiro Boys had previously won the inaugural FUFA Super 8 competition in 2018.
FUFA Super 8 Awards
- Champions: KCCA FC 🏆
- MVP: Saidi Mayanja — KCCA FC
- Best Goalkeeper: Mutwalibi Mugolofa — KCCA FC
- Top Scorer: Richard Bassangwa — NEC FC, 3 goals
- Fair Play Award: NEC FC
Mayanja’s penalty earned him the individual MVP award, while Mugolofa’s late intervention proved decisive as KCCA held on to their narrow advantage.
For NEC, the defeat ended their run without the trophy, despite a determined second-half effort and three goals from tournament top scorer Bassangwa.