Kyaka County took a giant step towards the MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Masaza Cup final after sweeping aside defending champions Mwenge South 3-0 in the first leg of their semi-final clash on Sunday.

Midfielder Fred Tumusiime, back from suspension, returned with a bang as he struck twice to inspire Kyaka to a dominant home victory. Tumusiime, who missed Kyaka’s July 20 away clash in Fort Portal following a red card in the opening game, made his presence felt immediately—breaking the deadlock early in the first half before doubling his tally in the 66th minute.

Between Tumusiime’s goals, striker Jonathan Kisaku Moses added the second in the 53rd minute to cap off a commanding display by the hosts. His strike means Kyaka now boast two players who have netted braces in this year’s tournament, with Kisaku himself having scored twice in the June 8 opener against Kibaale.

The win came in the absence of Kyaka’s first-team coach Innocent Barigye, who was serving a suspension for indiscipline. Despite that, the former champions—winners of the maiden title in 2022—showed the hunger of a side eager to avenge last year’s final defeat to Mwenge South.

Tumusiime, who collected the MTN Man of the Match award, said confidence within the squad is high after such a performance:

“We played a good game, created chances and utilized them. We needed that win at home to ensure that we keep our hopes alive. Mwenge South is not an easy team, especially when playing at home, but we are confident.”

Mwenge South, champions in 2023, struggled without several key players including skipper Musunga, and paid the price for wastefulness in front of goal. Team official Julius Atugonza lamented the missed opportunities:

“I am disappointed with this loss because we had all the chances to win the game and my players wasted the chances.”

Head coach Samuel Matov admitted his side will need reinforcements to mount a comeback in the return leg:

“We struggled without some of our regulars, but we expect them back for the return leg. Losing is part of football; we shall correct our mistakes.”

The decisive second leg will be played in Kyenjojo district in two weeks’ time, where Mwenge South face the daunting task of overturning a three-goal deficit.

Meanwhile, the other semi-final tie continues this Sunday as Burahya County host Fort Portal County at Kichwamba Technical College. Fort Portal, who lead 1-0 courtesy of a strike from captain Yasin Malik in the first leg, are chasing a place in their first-ever final.