In a scintillating display of hockey prowess, Weatherhead emerged victorious in a hotly contested battle against arch-rivals Wananchi, securing the men’s Uganda Cup trophy in a sensational 4-3 triumph.

Fresh off their Uganda Baati Men’s National Hockey League victory, Weatherhead aimed for a remarkable double, setting the stage for an intense clash against Wananchi, who sought redemption after losing the league title to Weatherhead.

SC Wananchi, having faced defeat in the women’s final against KHC Swans in the earlier fixture of the day, were eager to salvage some glory by winning the men’s title. They hoped to avenge their loss as well in the national league to Weatherhead, where they fell short by goal difference in a closely contested battle.

Right from the first whistle, both teams showcased their ferocity and passion, setting the stage for an intense showdown. However, it was Weatherhead who drew first blood, as Maxwell found the back of the net just a minute before the end of the first quarter, giving his team the early lead.

They proceeded to double their advantage in the 18th minute, courtesy of an exquisite tomahawk shot from Colline Batusa after a well-worked penalty corner routine.

Wananchi desperately searched for a route back into the game, earning several penalty corners along the way, but their efforts went unrewarded. The first half concluded with Weatherhead firmly in control, holding a 2-0 lead and appearing poised to claim the Uganda Cup.

The third quarter saw Weatherhead continue their dominance, extending their lead from a close-range tap-in by Thomas Opio following a deflected Ntumba effort. With the scoreline now 3-0, the jubilant celebration from Weatherhead fans underscored their growing confidence. Elolu then added a fourth goal for Weatherhead in the 40th minute, seemingly extinguishing any hope of a Wananchi comeback.

However, the final quarter saw an unexpected twist as Wananchi finally broke through, with Jordan Acaye finding the back of the net just three minutes in. The goal momentarily rattled Weatherhead, especially when their goalkeeper, Ekapolon Charles, suffered a minor injury scare and had to be substituted. Moreover, Weatherhead found themselves down to 8 men as three players received yellow cards simultaneously, providing a glimmer of hope for Wananchi.

Despite the advantage, Wananchi failed to fully capitalize, though they did manage to add two more goals to their tally. Martin Okello netted an expertly executed penalty corner in the 53rd minute, followed by Jerome Owori tapping in a goal in the dying minutes of the match to make it a nerve-wracking 4-3 affair.

The tension was palpable as the clock ticked towards the final seconds. However, Weatherhead showcased their resilience and determination, maintaining their composure in the face of Wananchi’s late comeback attempts. When the final whistle finally sounded, it confirmed Weatherhead’s triumph, securing them the Uganda Cup and sealing their double title dream.

This victory not only cements Weatherhead’s status as Uganda Cup champions but also completes a remarkable double following their recent league triumph.

The young Wananchi side’s spirited comeback attempt added an extra layer of drama to an already thrilling contest. Weatherhead’s resilience and strategic prowess ultimately prevailed, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final moment.