The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup’s group stage came to a dramatic end on Sunday, delivering thrilling matches that decided the quarter-final line-up. Former champions Butembe claimed the spotlight in a highly anticipated encounter, edging Bukooli Namayingo 1-0 to top the Kagulu hill group in a tense match at Budondo Subcounty playground.
Butembe’s Narrow Victory Sends Bukooli Namayingo Packing
In the match of the day, Butembe snatched victory against Bukooli Namayingo thanks to a moment of brilliance from Nicolas Mukiibi. The winger curled a stunning shot into the top right corner in the 37th minute, leaving Bukooli’s defense rooted and sending the Butembe faithful into wild celebrations.
The 2017 champions showed resilience throughout the match, and their win elevated them to 7 points, securing their place at the top of the Kagulu hill group. Despite entering the match with high hopes, Bukooli Namayingo were eliminated after finishing third with just 4 points.
Assistant coach Dafa Kisige of Butembe praised his squad's preparation and singled out Mukiibi for his contribution:
“It was a good game, but the best team that prepared well won today. I’m especially happy with Mukiibi’s return from injury to score the winner.”
Bukooli Namayingo’s coach Ivan George Wamala lamented missed opportunities:
“We had many chances, but they capitalized on theirs. That’s football.”
Bugabula and Bunha Sail Through
Elsewhere, Bugabula Saza secured their quarter-final berth with a 2-0 victory over Bunhole Bunhanhumba, topping the Mawembe hill group with 10 points. The result also propelled Bukono into the knockouts as runners-up with 4 points, marking their first-ever progression to this stage.
Bunha also booked their place in the next round, defeating Luuka 2-0 in the Bukowe hill group. Hassan Mwinyi opened the scoring early on, and Edrine Mukisa sealed the result in the 89th minute after a well-worked move with Samuel Ekwaru. The win saw Bunha finish second in the group with 7 points, behind group leaders Kigulu.
Bunha’s coach, Charles Sande, attributed the win to his team's discipline and hard work:
“I’m proud of the boys for moving from the group stages to the quarter-finals, especially given the financial challenges we've faced.”
Despite the loss, Luuka's assistant coach Aggrey Bagabo commended his team's efforts:
"The match wasn’t bad, but unfortunately, we didn’t get the results we were hoping for."
Kigulu Dominates Bukooli Bugiri
In the Bukowe hill group, Kigulu, already assured of a place in the knockouts, secured a 2-0 win over Bukooli Bugiri. Veteran striker Jamil Mukungu led the charge, while Timothy Isabirye and Ali Kiyemba added to their dominance in a match that solidified their position at the top with 12 points.
Kigulu coach Hamid Balikoowa was pleased with his team's progress:
“We came for three points, and this point was vital for us to progress.”
Busiki Triumphs Over Bulamogi, Budiope vs Bugweri Postponed
Defending champions Busiki capped off their group stage campaign with a 2-0 win over Bulamogi, securing top spot in the Nendha hill group with 12 points. However, the much-anticipated clash between second-placed Budiope and third-placed Bugweri was postponed following an unfortunate injury to Budiope’s goalkeeper. The match will be rescheduled, with the quarter-final draw still hanging in the balance.
Quarter-Finalists Confirmed
With the group stage now complete, the top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals. The qualifiers include Bugabula and Bukono from Mawembe hill, Kigulu and Bunha from Bukowe hill, Butembe and Buzaaya from Kagulu hill, and Busiki alongside either Budiope or Bugweri from Nendha hill, pending the outcome of the rescheduled match.
The quarter-finals promise even more action as the competition heats up, with the top teams vying for glory in this year's MTN Busoga Masaza Cup.
