Proline FC are the 2019 Uganda Cup winners after beating Bright Stars FC 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 normal time stalemate at Masaka Recreational Grounds.
But it is Matovu Hassan Proline FC have to thank after the goalkeeper saved one penalty to hand the newly promoted Star Times premier League side a 2019/2020 Africa Confederation Cup ticket.
Nelson Ssenkatuka had Bright Stars ahead in 56th minute and Mustafa Mujunzi equalized for Proline at stoppage time to force the tie into spot kicks.
Inside the opening minute, a genuine opportunity fell to James Bagessa but he shot completely off the mark from the laces of the boot.
Bright Stars could have opened the scoring as early as the 15th minute when Brian Kayanja set up Sam Sekitto with a one-on-one chance against the goalkeeper, but the defender missed his attempted volley.
A cut back from Jamil Kalisa saw the ball fall in the path of Kakooza to take a shot from the middle of the park but Matovu Hassan managed to get down to make the save.
PFC gradually found their way and were able to pick up spaces behind the opposing defense, which invited Hakim Ssekito to a shot on the half-volley.
A curler from the right from Sam Kintu nearly found the top corner but his free-kick unfortunately just flew over the post of Hamza Muwonge.
Proline provided more openings at the start of the second half with Saka Mpima beating the offside trap to take a low shot at Muwonge who saved easily.
As it was, Stars took the lead in the 56th minute. Nelson Ssekatuka’s well taken free-kick easily hit the back of the net with Matovu Hassan stranded.
Soon after, Ivan Bogere showed a great turn of pace to skin his marker down the left wing before playing a one-two with Bunjo but his shot was well blocked by Aggrey Kiray for an unfruitful corner.
Bright Stars introduced their first change when Moses Okot replaced Kayanja on the hour mark.
Okot immediately struck to action when he connected with a pass on the edge of the box to force Matovu saving for a corner.
Proline were being pinned back in their own half due to some intense pressure from the Stars who looked disjointed in their attack.
But it is PFC, who were frantically searching for the equalizer as time was running out, who got the reward – Mujunzi leveling matters in stoppage time.
With a lack of clear chances in added time, a draw seemed inevitable as neither side appeared promising in the final third of the field of play as the game 1-1 draw.
This was the moment Matovu came to the forefront, saving Nelson Ssenkatuka’s penalty to hand Proline their maiden Uganda Cup trophy.
