Kidera, Buyende District – The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup treated football enthusiasts to a weekend filled with exhilarating action, featuring dramatic wins, teargas chaos, and a historic victory for one team. From the lush green pitches to unexpected disruptions, the past weekend had it all.
Saturday’s Showdowns:
Bulamogi 3-4 Bukono
The Kaliro High School playground was the stage for an epic Saturday showdown between Bulamogi and Bukono saza in the preliminary rounds of the competition. The sunny conditions provided an ideal setting for the game, in stark contrast to the recent heavy rains that had disrupted matches.
Bulamogi saza seemed destined for victory as they raced to a 2-0 lead within the first 10 minutes. Wilson Nfulanyi (3rd minute) and Abbey Tusubira (10th minute) struck early goals, appearing to have control of the match.
Yet, Bukono saza had different plans. They staged a remarkable comeback, with Arshraf Amuke (12th minute) and Samuel Etyang (40th minute) rapidly leveling the score at 2-2 before halftime. The second half was equally fierce, marked by relentless attacks.
In the closing moments, Amuke and Etyang both completed their braces, securing a 4-2 lead for Bukono saza. Bulamogi saza mounted a late fightback, with Nfulanyi converting an 85th-minute penalty, but it fell short. Bukono celebrated their first-ever win in the competition, marking a historic milestone for the team.
Bukono’s elated head coach, Isa Kifuwa, shared his joy, saying, “Our fans had lost morale after we had lost to Bugweri at home, but today’s win really marked our first-ever win in the competition. We hope to build on this win.”
On the other hand, Bulamogi saza’s head coach, Paul Kalogo, called for financial support for his team, stating, “We did not lose due to technical inferiority but because our team doesn’t train together due to financial constraints.”
With this triumph, Bukono saza fans paraded through the streets of Kaliro town, savoring the taste of their historic victory.
Bukooli Namayingo vs. Bunha: Teargas Chaos
In another preliminary match between reigning champions Bukooli Namayingo and Bunha, the match took an unexpected turn. The game ended prematurely amid teargas, leaving spectators in shock.
Bukooli Namayingo held a 1-0 lead before halftime when the chaos erupted. Allegedly, Bukooli Namayingo fans were involved in the commotion. As a result, three patrol police vehicles escorted Bunha back to their home in Mayuge.
Sunday’s Sensation:
Budiope 1-1 Bunhole Bunanumba
Sunday’s lone encounter saw Bunhole Bunanumba saza rescue their first point in this year’s MTN Busoga Masaza Cup. They held the home side, Budiope saza, to a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Budiope rock ground in Buyende district.
Budiope saza took the lead with a spectacular goal by Nicolous Mukiibi, who unleashed a thunderous drive after an industrious layoff from teammate Ronald Bithum in the 43rd minute. Bithum had a chance to double the lead but was denied by a resilient Abdul Kyadok, the central defender for Bunhole Bunanumba, who made a crucial goal-line clearance just before halftime.
However, Bunhole Bunanumba displayed their determination, with Asuman Maka leveling the score at 1-1 with a strike from 20 yards. Both teams struggled to create further goal-scoring opportunities, with most of the action taking place in midfield, resulting in the match ending in a 1-1 draw.
Budiope saza secured their second home point in the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup, while Bunhole Bunanumba earned their first point in three matches in the Nhenda hill group.
Bunhole Bunanumba’s head coach, Hakim Bateganya, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, saying, “We came with a target of getting three points but gave away a cheap goal in the first half. Credit, though, goes to my players who fought back to earn a late point that we have to build on in our next three group matches.”
Meanwhile, Budiope saza’s head coach, Wycliffe Mudoola, shared his perspective on the match, stating, “We played under instructions in the first half and lost the plot in the second half, causing us to concede an unlucky goal that was a bit controversial.”
The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup continues to provide thrilling football moments, showcasing the passion and unpredictability of grassroots football. As the competition progresses, football enthusiasts can expect more excitement on and off the pitch.
Bugweri saza currently tops the table with a perfect six points from their two opening wins over Bukono and Kigulu, while Bukono and Kigulu share the second spot with three points each. Bulamogi saza is at the bottom without a point to their name. Bugweri will host Bulamogi in their next match, while Bukono will face Kigulu next weekend.
