The Tooro Kingdom MTN Amasaza Cup 2024 kicked off with a bang as defending champions Mwenge South edged out Burahya in a thrilling opening match held on Sunday afternoon at the Katoosa playground in Kyenjojo district.
The well-attended game saw Burahya take an early lead in the first half, setting the stage for an intense battle. However, Mwenge South responded with determination, and Shafiq Mwesige's equalizer ensured the teams went into the halftime break level at 1-1.
The second half was a display of tactical prowess and grit from both sides, but it was Mwenge South who eventually found the breakthrough. In the 84th minute, Razak Musinguzi netted the decisive goal, securing a 2-1 victory for the hosts and sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Burahya County team manager Murungi Musobozi reflected on the match, acknowledging the effort from his squad despite the defeat. "The team was well-organized, but some mistakes cost us. We've been training hard and have summoned the best players from the County. Our fans should still expect the best from us," Musobozi stated.
Last year's finalists Burahya, who narrowly missed out on the title to Mwenge South, now face questions about their ability to replicate their previous success. However, their performance in this opening match showed promise despite the loss.
Mwesige, who played a crucial role in Mwenge South's victory, emphasized their readiness to defend the title. "We know Burahya is not an easy team, but we also have good players who are determined. I'm happy that we played as a team and won as a team," he said.
The tournament was officially launched recently in Fort Portal by Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Steven Kiyingi, who expressed his delight at the growing standard of the Masaza Cup. He also urged sportsmen to leverage the tournament's popularity to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which remains a significant challenge in the community.
The Tooro MTN Amasaza Cup partnership extends beyond football, providing HIV testing services to residents and supporting the "End HIV by 2030" campaign led by Omukama Kabamba Iguru. This initiative underscores the organizers' commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community.
Adding to the excitement of this year's tournament, the prize money has been increased from 5 million to 7.5 million Ugandan Shillings, courtesy of MTN Uganda. This boost is expected to intensify the competition as teams vie for the coveted title.
The Masaza Cup action will resume next weekend with a full schedule of games, promising more excitement and competitive football.
Opening Game Result: Mwenge South 2-1 Burahya
