Paidha, Uganda: StarTimes Uganda Premier League side, Maroons FC, survived a spirited challenge from Paidha United SC to secure a narrow 2–1 victory in the Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 64 tie played at Bar Okoro Stadium on Friday, February 6, 2026.
The Uganda Premier League side, currently ninth on the top-flight table, booked a place in the Round of 32 thanks to goals from defensive midfielder Brian Nkuubi Ssemakula and substitute striker Dickson Nuwamanya Kiyanga.
Paidha United, founded in 2017 and enduring a difficult start to their West Nile Regional League campaign, mounted an impressive resistance and pushed the visitors to the limit. Striker Ronie pulled one back late in the game after capitalising on a defensive lapse involving Maroons’ right-back Kabona and the goalkeeper, keeping the contest alive until the final whistle.
The second half saw the hosts grow into the match, dominating midfield duels after the introduction of midfielder Zaza, whose physical presence unsettled Maroons during transitions and forced the visitors into hurried clearances.
The closely fought contest featured several missed chances. Paidha’s Ronie wasted a golden opportunity when he fired straight at the Maroons goalkeeper from distance. At the other end, deep into stoppage time, a Maroons winger rattled the woodwork with a fierce volley that would have sealed the tie.
In the end, Maroons held on to advance, while Paidha United exited with heads high after a performance that underlined their growing competitiveness.
Maroons head coach Simon Peter Ojok admitted his side had to dig deep in a scrappy encounter. “We give our boys credit because they managed to score two,” Ojok said after the match.
“But our defence created mistakes here and there. The miscommunication between the defender and the goalkeeper cost us a goal.”
Ojok added that Paidha’s direct style disrupted his team’s rhythm. “Our build-up was difficult because the other team was physical. They played many aerial balls, which affected our strategy,” he noted.
On the other hand, Paidha United coach Edward Rwothomio praised his players’ performance against top-tier opposition, saying the cup tie offered valuable lessons ahead of the regional league push.
“This game has helped us see the way forward for the upcoming regional league matches,” Rwothomio said. “I am confident with the new team and the boys we have brought in since January.”
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