In a thrilling but controversial turn of events,the clash between Wananchi and Weatherhead Gazelles in the Uganda Cup semifinal left fans bewildered and the hockey community abuzz with debates.Wananchi ladies managed to secure their spot in the final after a conundrum involving post-match shootouts.

The first leg had concluded in a 1-1 draw setting the stage for an intense battle. As both teams entered the 2nd leg,the stakes were high,and the game was evenly poised.

Wananchi took an early lead through Doreen Mbabazi’s well-executed penalty corner. Despite the Gazelles persistent efforts, they struggled to breach Wananchi’s defense, managing to secure several penalty corners without success. The Gazelles finally leveled the aggregate score at 2-2 with Gloria Amony’s tap-in goal in the last quarter of the game.

As the match headed into its dying minutes, both teams failed to capitalize on counter-attacks, leading to the inevitable prospect of a shootout. However, controversy ensued when it was revealed that the captains had chosen to proceed with flicks, deviating from the Uganda Cup rules that mandated an 8-second shootout for the tied aggregate scores after two legs.

Anita Atim of Weatherhead successfully converted her flick, leading to initial celebrations among Weatherhead fans. However, the officials belatedly acknowledged their error and insisted on following the rules, sparking confusion and discussions among the umpires, judges with the team captains. The decision to revert to an 8-second shootout led to disagreement, with Weatherhead expressing dissatisfaction.

Despite Weatherhead’s protest, Joly Alimo of Wananchi seized the opportunity and went ahead to score an empty net goal in the 8 second shootout,leading to Wananchi’s progression to the final as Weatherhead was deemed to have forfeited the post-match shootouts.

In the other semifinal match, which took place between Deliverance Church and Kampala Hockey Club, the 1st leg had ended in a convincing 5-0 victory for KHC. When it was time for the 2nd leg fixture, Deliverance Church failed to appear in sufficient numbers to honor the game, resulting in a walkover victory for KHC with a 5-0 scoreline. With this outcome, KHC secured an aggregate win of 10-0 and advanced to the final.

The highly anticipated final between KHC Swans and Wananchi ladies is scheduled for January 20th, 2024, re-echoing the Independence Cup final showdown in Jinja where Wananchi emerged victorious in shootouts. With the Swan’s impressive form throughout the season, the possibility looms of witnessing them secure their first Uganda Cup trophy. The stage is set, and the final fixture promises an exciting culmination to the Uganda hockey season.