The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion on Saturday, with ten-man Bugweri delivering a stunning 2-0 victory over the reigning champions Busiki. The atmosphere at Bugweri District Headquarters playground was electric as thousands of fans, including the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, turned out to witness the seventh edition of the tournament.
The match, which set the tone for this year’s competition, saw Bugweri dominate the Nendha Hill Group in a thrilling contest. Despite a strong start from both teams, it was Bugweri who drew first blood. The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when a corner from the industrious winger Mathias Kasadha was deflected into the net by Busiki’s towering defender Fahad Mukose.
After the break, Bugweri continued to press, and their persistence paid off in the 57th minute. Kasadha, once again at the heart of the action, laid in a pass for Arafat Nkola, who volleyed home a stunning goal from 25 yards, doubling Bugweri’s lead. Despite a late setback with defender Isma Kagere being sent off for time wasting deep into injury time, Bugweri held on to secure a memorable victory.
Bugweri’s Saza coach, Emmanuel Balyejusa, praised his team’s collective effort. "Our spirit of togetherness helped us win today. Now that we have a strong beginning, there's no turning back," noted Balyejusa.
On the other side, Busiki’s coach, Dennis Watuke, pointed to a lack of cohesion in his team. "Our players lacked a proper combination because of coming late to the camp," Watuke said.
As the tournament continues, fans can look forward to more exciting action next weekend with three matches on Saturday and one on Sunday. The fixtures are as follows:
Saturday, August 10 Matches:
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Bukono vs. Bugabula at Ivukula Subcounty Playground
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Luuka vs. Kigulu at Kiyunga Saza Ground
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Bukooli Namayingo vs. Butembe at Namayingo Primary School Playground
Sunday, August 11 Match:
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Budiope vs. Bulamogi at Irundu Playground
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Bunha vs. Bukooli Bugiri at Buluuba Hospital Playground
MTN Uganda has significantly invested in this year’s edition, injecting over Shs 550 million. The top four teams will compete for prize money of Shs 13 million, Shs 9 million, Shs 6 million, and Shs 4 million, respectively.