Derrick Akampurira
Red card drama, ball incident, and heated exchanges overshadowed Tapoh’s hard-fought round of 32 victory in the Stanbic Uganda cup.
Tapoh FC secured qualification to the Round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup following a narrow 1-0 victory over Western Region League leaders SC Volcanoes in a match characterized by high intensity, controversy, and crowd disturbances.
The hosts struck early in the contest, finding the breakthrough in the 20th minute after a fast-paced opening spell that saw both sides exchange quick attacks and fluid passing combinations. Tapoh carried their advantage into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
SC Volcanoes, who arrived unbeaten in the Western Region League and sitting top of the table, returned for the second half with renewed determination. The Kisoro-based side dominated possession and increased attacking pressure, with Lukyamuzi Julius and Babuji troubling the Tapoh defence, while Mandela Alex dictated play from midfield.
Despite the sustained pressure, Tapoh’s defence remained resolute and preserved their slender advantage until the final whistle.
Midway through the match, play was briefly disrupted when a Tapoh supporter grabbed SC Volcanoes’ match ball after it had gone out of play and ran toward a nearby bush. Members of the Volcanoes technical team and officials attempted to retrieve the ball but reportedly stopped their pursuit amid claims that another individual in the bush was allegedly armed.
The incident heightened tensions in an already charged atmosphere where further drama unfolded in the 70th minute when SC Volcanoes were reduced to ten men following a straight red card decision after a heavy challenge. The decision triggered protests from Volcanoes head coach Patrick Ochan, who questioned the consistency and fairness of the officiating.
Sections of the home crowd responded with jeers, prompting FUFA officials on duty to intervene and restore calm as the situation threatened to escalate.
FUFA National Assessor Ochom Joseph later clarified the confusion surrounding the match balls.
According to Ochom, the home team had provided the required match balls before kickoff. However, SC Volcanoes requested to use their own ball, which was not formally handed over to match officials as part of the approved equipment list.
He stated that officials informed the away team that responsibility for any loss would not lie with match authorities if the ball was not officially submitted before play.
Tapoh FC head coach Tingole Brian praised SC Volcanoes, describing them as one of the toughest opponents his side has faced this season expressing his admiration to the team and showcasing his respect for the team saying that the win is God given chance.
On the other hand, SC Volcanoes head coach Patrick Ochan expressed frustration with the outcome, arguing that the result did not fully reflect the events on the pitch.
He cited concerns over match management, including the ball incident, security arrangements, and what he termed inconsistent officiating decisions that disrupted the flow of the game.
Despite the elimination, Ochan reaffirmed his side’s primary objective of securing promotion to the FUFA Big League.
SC Volcanoes entered the tie in impressive form, having won all their league matches this season, scoring 27 goals and conceding just once while topping the Western Region League standings. They had also eliminated Wakiso Giants FC in the previous round of the Uganda Cup.
Tapoh FC progressed to this stage after knocking out Buhimba Saints in the Round of 64.