If Pirates needed a reality check on their title credentials, Kobs delivered it in style at Kings Park on Saturday, pushing the league champions to the brink before losing 24-23 in the Uganda Cup semifinal.
Kobs coach Timothy Mudoola had admitted before the match that his team was still a work in progress but would give Pirates a run for their money.
Both statements proved accurate as Ibrahim Khemis failed to convert Benjamin Muwanguzi’s late try in an attempt that could have sent Kobs into the final.
Prior to the semifinals, Khemis had amassed 31 points for Kobs, converting 15 of 22 kicks according to Isametrics statistics. But when it mattered most, he struggled under pressure.
Khemis initially put the visitors ahead with a penalty, but Pirates responded through tries from Stuart Mwayi and Blair Ayezibwe. Isaac Massa converted Jeremiah Okello’s try and Jones Kamiza dotted down to reduce the deficit to 15-12 at halftime.
The early scare forced coach Marvin Odong’s men to step up and they were rewarded shortly after the restart. William Nkore converted Conrad Wanyama’s try, giving Pirates the lead for the first time. Khemis then missed two consecutive penalties, leaving Pirates to capitalize as Desire Ayera crossed the line to extend their advantage to 24-18.
Kobs had one final opportunity to snatch victory when Muwanguzi scored, but Khemis’ conversion attempt drifted wide, sealing a heartbreaking one-point defeat.
Pirates will now face Heathens in what promises to be a classic final after the 12-time champions edged Buffaloes 22-13 at Kyadondo.
Nicholas Kato and Michael Omollo each scored tries, while man of the match Joseph Oyet crossed once and added seven points with his boot to suppress Buffaloes’ late surge.
Unusual finalists
In the women’s tournament, Nile Rapids and Mbale’s She-Wolves will contest the final after both sides produced thrilling victories.
Nile Rapids’ 2023 final MVP Tina Akello starred once again, contributing 14 of her team’s 24 points. Christine Akello crossed early to give Nile Rapids the lead, but Peace Lekuru and Maimuna Nassozi responded for Avengers, leveling the score at 17-17 by halftime. Justine Anguchia also touched down to add to Akello’s tally.
In the second half, Lekuru thought she had secured the win with a late try, but Minat Namono replied, allowing Akello to convert the decisive kick in the dying moments.
She-Wolves booked their first-ever final with a 10-5 win over Panthers at Kings Park in the earlier kickoff, setting up a cracking final with Nile Rapids.
2025 UGANDA CUP Semifinal resultsMen Pirates 24-23 KobsHeathens 22-13 BuffaloesWomen Avengers 22-24 Nile RapidsPanthers 5-10 She-Wolves