Bugabula edged Bunha in a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation at Bugembe Stadium on Sunday, keeping alive their hopes of a fifth consecutive MTN Busoga Masaza Cup semi-final appearance.

Bunha struck first in the 17th minute through Ibrahim Ssajabi, putting pressure on the hundreds of Bugabula supporters in the stands. The game appeared to be slipping away until Magidu Kazindula rose to head in a late equalizer from Edgar Magombe’s corner in the 87th minute, forcing penalties.

Bugabula goalkeeper Musa Oboya initially missed his own spot kick but redeemed himself by saving two penalties, securing Bugabula’s passage to the semi-finals.

“We came into this competition well prepared for penalties after learning the strength of our opponents. Today’s emotional win is a wake-up call for us to realise our dream of winning the competition for our Kyabazinga,” said Bugabula coach Ronald Lukungu.

Bunha coach Bosco Mugerwa said: “We were not contented by most decisions made by match officials. Good luck to Bugabula. Let the best team win the tournament.”

Earlier, Luuka made a statement by thrashing fellow debutants Bulamogi 3-0, with Ibra Kasakya scoring the tournament’s first knockout hat-trick.

Semi-final action resumes Friday with Kigulu, two-time champions, seeking revenge against Bukooli Namayingo, the team that denied them a third consecutive title in 2022, while Luuka takes on Bugabula in a battle of the underdogs.

MTN Uganda has invested UGX 550 million in this year’s tournament, including awarding MTN Kabode smartphones to fans and man-of-the-match players.