SC Villa advanced to the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 16 after a tense 4-3 penalty shootout victory over BUL FC on Wednesday at FUFA Technical Centre Stadium, Kadiba, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

The Jogoos took an early lead in the second minute when referee Lucky Kasalirwe awarded a penalty after BUL defender Nicholas Mwere fouled Hassan Mubiru in the box.

Reagan Mpande converted calmly to put Villa ahead.

BUL equalised on the stroke of halftime when Reagan Kalyowa’s intended cross deflected and looped over goalkeeper David Lukwago into the net—an almost identical goal to one Mwere had scored against Lukwago earlier in the league at Njeru.

The visitors went in front shortly after the restart when Richard Okello capitalised on a rare error by Lukwago, who failed to clear a high cross, allowing Okello to head home.

Villa fought back in the 63rd minute through substitute Patrick Jonah Kakande, who slotted past BUL goalkeeper Thomas Ikara after a precise assist from Ibrahim Kasinde to make it 2-2.

The teams could not be separated after 90 minutes, forcing penalties.

In the shootout, Villa’s Kakande, David Owori, Hassan Mubiru, and Ibrahim Kasinde all scored. Aslam Ssemakula missed for the Jogoos.

BUL’s Isaac Wagoina, Swabir Mpasa, and Richard Okello converted, but misses from Isma Mugulusi and Simon Achidi proved decisive, handing Villa the win.

The victory keeps SC Villa’s cup campaign alive as they progress to the round of 16, where they will face stronger opposition in the knockout stages.

The Jogoos, currently fourth in the Uganda Premier League with 34 points, showed resilience and character to overcome a determined BUL side.