Stanbic Uganda Cup: Joseph Dhata rampant as NEC leave Acholi for dead

South Sudan international Joseph Dhata Samuel Lujhang was at his ruthless most as he grabbed a hattrick to sink and dump Acholi United out of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.

Dhata was relentless, scoring in the 12th, 19th and 70th minute to see NEC through to the Round of 16 of the 50th edition.

Despite operating as a wingback, the goals made it eight for Dhata in all competitions this season, having scored five in the Uganda Premier League.

New signing Gadafi Wahab and captain Marvin Kavuma scored the other two on a memorable evening at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Tuesday.

David Otim grabbed Acholi's only consolation on a devastating outing on enemy territory.

After a period of sheer dominion by NEC, Dhata broke the deadlock in the 12th minute with a well-taken strike before he added another eight minutes later.

Wahab then made it three with another cracking finish at the half-hour mark, five minutes after his header had been cleared off the line.

Five minutes later, Kavuma made it four in the opening half before Dhata completed his hattrick with an absolute screamer in the 70th minute.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Doves FC eliminated Young Elephants via a 3-1 penalty shootout victory after it had ended in a barren stalemate during the 90.