The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup delivered another thrilling weekend of football with crucial wins and hard-fought draws across the various groups. Saturday's action saw defending champions Busiki claim a pivotal 2-0 win over Bugweri to book their place in the quarter-finals, while Kigulu and Luuka played out a goalless stalemate. Sunday followed up with Bukooli Bugiri’s late triumph over Bunha and Budiope’s victory over Bulamogi, keeping the race for the knockout stages wide open.
Saturday’s Action: Busiki Clinch Quarter-Final Spot
Busiki’s 2-0 victory over Bugweri at Kisiki College in Namutumba set the tone for the weekend. The reigning champions were eager to avenge their earlier defeat to Bugweri in this year’s tournament, and second-half substitute Tony Tulituuka ensured they did just that, scoring a brace to seal their third consecutive win in the Nendha Hill group.
Tulituuka's first goal came after a defensive lapse by Bugweri, which allowed the forward to strike in the 68th minute. He doubled the lead in the 85th minute to send the home crowd into raptures. Busiki now top the group with nine points, securing their place in the quarter-finals with two matches still to play.
"We came with a defensive strategy in the first half, but when I brought in technically good players in the second half, we won the game," said Busiki coach Dennis Watuke. "Every team in this group has given us a challenge, but we've been tactically better."
Bugweri coach Emmanuel Balyejusa acknowledged his side was outplayed, stating, "We were outsmarted and outclassed today. We’ll go back to the drawing board for the next matches."
Elsewhere, Budiope exacted revenge on Butembe with a 1-0 win at Lwanyama Primary School, a result that keeps them in contention for the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Kigulu and Luuka shared the spoils in a goalless draw at Iganga Saza Ground. Kigulu coach Wayi Salim rued his side’s missed chances, while Luuka coach Ian Isabirye was left frustrated by the officiating but proud of his team's resolve to earn a point.
Sunday’s Drama: Bukooli Bugiri Edge Bunha, Budiope Prevail
Sunday saw Bukooli Bugiri climb to second place in the Bukowe Hill group following a 2-1 win over Bunha at Hindocha Playground in Bugiri. Allan Jakuku was the hero for the home side, netting a second-half brace after wasting several chances in the first half.
Jakuku’s first goal came in the 68th minute, capitalising on a slick pass from Muhammad Munubi. However, Bunha responded quickly, with Paul Bagosa chipping over the advancing goalkeeper to level the score just five minutes later. With time running out, Jakuku struck again in the 87th minute, outpacing Bunha's defence to seal the win and put Bukooli Bugiri on five points, three behind group leaders Kigulu.
"We were lucky to get three points against a team that gave us problems, but patience helped us capitalise on their defensive mistakes," said Bukooli Bugiri coach Sirage Bogere. His counterpart, Bunha coach William Mulumba, lamented his team’s defensive lapses: "Our backline made costly errors, but we’re ready to rectify them in the next crucial matches."
In other action, Budiope claimed a vital 2-1 away win over Bulamogi at Namwiwa Primary School. The victory moves Budiope to second place in the Nendha Hill group with seven points, just behind Busiki, while Bugweri remain in third with four points.
Group Standings and What's Next
As the tournament heads into its final group stage fixtures, several teams are battling for a place in the quarter-finals. In the Bukowe Hill group, Kigulu lead with eight points after their draw with Luuka, followed by Bukooli Bugiri on five. Bunha and Luuka trail with three and two points, respectively. In the Nendha Hill group, Busiki sit comfortably on top with nine points, followed by Budiope with seven, Bugweri with four, and Bulamogi at the bottom.
The stage is set for more drama next weekend as teams continue their quest for Masaza Cup glory.
Results Recap:
Saturday, 21st September:
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Busiki 2-0 Bugweri
(Tulituuka 68’, 85’) -
Kigulu 0-0 Luuka
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Budiope 1-0 Butembe
Sunday, 22nd September:
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Bukooli Bugiri 2-1 Bunha
(Jakuku 68’, 87’; Bagosa 72’) -
Budiope 2-1 Bulamogi
Upcoming Fixtures:
Saturday, 28th September
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Bugweri VS Bulamogi
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Bukono VS Bunhole Bunanhumba
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Luuka VS Bukooli Bugiri
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Bukooli Namayingo VS Buzaya
Sunday,29th September
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Budiope VS Busiki
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Bunha VS Kigulu