The race for the 2026 Futsal Uganda Cup reached a boiling point over the weekend as the quarterfinals concluded with a mix of clinical dominance and high-octane drama at the Old Kampala Arena.
Four teams—Mengo City, Edgars Youth Programme, Mbarara QC, and Lubiri Falcons—have emerged from the wreckage of the knockout round to keep their championship dreams alive. Here is how the “Elite Eight” became the “Final Four.”
Mengo City FC sent a clear message to the rest of the field: they are the team to beat. In a one-sided affair against Entebbe Cheetahs, Mengo put on a clinical display of “power-play” futsal, winning 7-0 .
Akram Ssali was the protagonist, netting a brilliant hat-trick that dismantled the Cheetahs’ defense. Ian Tugume (brace), Joshua Aziku, and Sam Omara all found the scoresheet in a game where Mengo’s transition speed was simply too much for their opponents to handle.
In what was billed as the “Match of the Round,” Lubiri Falcons secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kisenyi FC. Lubiri took an early 2-0 lead through Hassan Kalule and Katumba Abdulrahman, but the second half was a different story.
Kisenyi’s Baker Arinda struck in the 33rd minute to set up a grandstand finish. Despite wave after wave of Kisenyi attacks, the Falcons’ defensive structure remained unbreakable, booking their ticket to the semifinals in a tactical chess match.
If fans wanted goals, Edgars Youth Programme provided them in abundance. In an extraordinary end-to-end clash, Edgars outlasted Lubaga Grameen with a staggering 11-5 scoreline. The victory cements Edgars’ reputation as the most dangerous attacking unit left in the competition, though their defensive lapses will give their upcoming semifinal opponents hope.
Meanwhile, Mbarara QC ensured that the talent from Western Uganda remains at the forefront of the national game, seeing off Kabowa Dream Team 4-2 in a measured, professional performance.
The competition now moves to the penultimate stage next Friday. With two “heavy-hitters” in Mengo and Edgars and two “tactical specialists” in Lubiri and Mbarara, the semifinals promise to be the highlight of the East African futsal calendar.
Confirmed Semifinalists:
Mengo City FC vs. Lubiri Falcons
Edgars Youth Programme vs. Mbarara QC
