Standard Chattered Cup2024: New Vision squeezes past MTN to book ticket to Liverpool

New Vision, a media company won the 2024 Standard Chartered Cup Tournament after their slim 1-0 final win against MTN Uganda.

Gigantic forward Julius Kafuluma scored the only goal of the game as his side booked a ticket to Anfield, Liverpool in the United Kingdom.

The 7^th edition of the Standard Chartered Cup Tournament was a one-day, 10 minute, five-a-side (with two substitutes), mini futsal tournament held on Saturday, 7^th September 2024 at the KCCA grounds, Lugogo.

To reach the final, New Vision eliminated last year’s champions Steal and Tube industries in the semi-finals.

Star boy Julius Kafuluma scored the all important goal for New Vision in the semi-final.

In the other semi-final duel, MTN Uganda beat Uganda Breweries LTD 3-2 after penalties following a goalless draw in the normal time to book a final date with the eventual winners New Vision.

This year’s edition attracted 40 teams (the biggest turn up ever), grouped in 8 pools with each group being made up of 5 teams for the group stages.

The group games were played on a round robin basis as two top teams qualified for the Round of 16, Quarter finals, Semi Finals and the Finals.

295 games were played at this year’s edition. MTN’s Emmanuel Nsubuga was the tournament’s goal scorer with 10 goals.

Meanwhile, New Vision duo of Julius Kafuluma and Karim Kamoga were the MVP and Best goalkeeper of the tournament respectively.

During this year’s tournament, the field layout had 4 mini pitches of 40 x 30 metres and were named after the current Liverpool players Mohammed Salah, Alisson Baker, Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander Arnold.

The winning team (New Vision ) got an all-expenses paid trip to the UK courtesy of Standard Chattered Bank.

The trip will include a visit to the Liverpool Academy, meet up with a Liverpool FC legend, watch a live English Premier League Liverpool game at Anfield, a tour of Melwood, the Beatles story and as well as visit to the Liverpool Museum.

The winning team will also have a private tour to Liverpool Stadium not to mention a return air ticket to United Kingdom, with on-ground transfers, 3 nights’ accommodation, meals among other perks and treats.

In addition, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd runners up also received trophies and medals.

The best player, most disciplined team, best goalkeeper and highest scorer were also awarded.