In an electrifying showdown at the Buluba hospital playground, Bunha reigned supreme in a heart-pounding Mayuge derby, edging out Bunhole Bunanumba 4-3 in the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup. The fiercely contested match left fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing the relentless intensity of Busoga’s football scene.
The game got off to a roaring start with Bunhole Bunanumba’s skipper, Emmanuel Kizza, scoring a pinpoint towering header just 12 minutes into the match, stunning the home fans. However, Bunha swiftly countered the blow with Joram Ogeni’s equally impressive header off Ruben Obbo’s corner, levelling the score just five minutes later.
As drizzles began to fall, Bunhole Bunanumba capitalized on Bunha’s defensive lapses, with Ausi Masaba finding the net in the 28th minute. But Bunha refused to back down, responding swiftly with David Oketcho’s deflected shot in the 32nd minute. Brian Ochan added to the excitement with a spectacular half-volley just before halftime, sending the home crowd into wild celebration and giving Bunha a 3-2 lead.
The second half saw end-to-end action, with both teams thrilling the fans. Substitute Kassimu Balidawa, racing down the right wing, scored a crucial goal to secure Bunha’s 4-2 lead. In the added minutes, Bunhole Bunanumba pulled one back with Muzaham Gonza’s late header, but it wasn’t enough as they suffered a 4-3 defeat.
Bunha’s victory catapulted them to the top of the Nhenda hill group with four points, following their earlier goalless draw against Budiope saza.
Coaches’ Reactions:
Bunha’s head coach, Ronald Lukungu, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am happy that we got our first three points. My boys kept believing in themselves even after going down twice. We kept fighting to the end, and that will give us a positive attitude as we head for our trip against Bukooli-Namayingo saza.”
Bunhole Bunanumba’s head coach, Ronald Mulero, had some concerns, mentioning, “The match went well, despite the unfair referee who virtually allowed our opponent’s goal that had been disallowed by his assistant after the ball crossed the line for a goal kick. My team does not train together due to financial constraints. We appeal to the team’s hierarchy to respond positively.”
Sunday’s Football Drama: Busiki Edges Out Luuka
On Sunday, the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup continued with more thrilling matches. In Namutumba, the rain and storm couldn’t deter the determined fans who gathered to witness the Kagulu hill group preliminary match between Busiki saza and Luuka saza at Kisiki college Namutumba.
Busiki head coach Dennis Watuke credited better preparation from the team’s management for their 1-0 victory against Luuka saza. The game faced a brief interruption as heavy rains and storms hit, causing both sets of players to return to the dressing room. However, after a delay of around an hour and a half, the action resumed.
The decisive goal came 15 minutes into the game when Owen Isabirye scored a smart header from Godfrey Mulero’s corner. Both teams struggled for possession due to the soggy playing surface, but Busiki secured a vital win.
Busiki’s head coach, Dennis Watuke, expressed relief, saying, “This win has indeed helped us sail through the knockout phase early with 6 points.”
Meanwhile, Ali Kasolo, Luuka’s head coach, blamed the heavy downpour for disrupting their game plan.
Bugweri Shines, Bukoli-Bugiri Suffers
In other MTN Busoga Masaza Cup action, Bugweri saza secured a 1-0 victory against two-time champions Kigulu at Busesa mixed primary school playground in Bugweri district. Kenneth Mwanagoli’s 85th-minute winner ended Bugweri’s four-game losing streak against Kigulu and marked their second league win in the Bukowe hill group.
Bukoli-Bugiri, on the other hand, suffered their second consecutive loss in the Mawembe hill group, losing 1-0 at home to Buzaya saza.
As the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup continues to deliver excitement, fans eagerly await more thrilling moments in this prestigious tournament.
