The action-packed weekend in the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup saw drama unfold across various grounds, with teams vying for crucial quarter-final spots. Bugweri stole the show on Saturday with a dominant 6-0 win, while Kigulu secured their place in the knockouts on Sunday despite a frustrating goalless draw.
Saturday’s Showdown: Bugweri Thrashes Depleted Bulamogi
Saturday’s fixtures provided thrilling contests, none more so than Bugweri’s emphatic 6-0 demolition of a depleted Bulamogi side at Busesa Mixed Playground. Despite the match starting late due to security protocols, Bugweri made the most of their numerical advantage, facing a Bulamogi team with only eight outfield players.
Bugweri’s relentless attack was spearheaded by Arafat Nkola, who netted a second-half hat-trick, while Edgar Kigundu, Nicolous Kilubira, and Daniel Bacachi also found the back of the net. The victory revived Bugweri’s hopes of advancing from the Nendha Hill group, putting them in second place with 7 points, just behind Busiki on 9 points.
Coach Emmanuel Balyejusa of Bugweri expressed relief and confidence ahead of their decider against Budiope. “Today’s three points were crucial. The heavy scoreline gives my players the momentum they need ahead of the do-or-die clash with Budiope,” said Balyejusa.
For Bulamogi, it was a demoralising defeat, with coach Mohammed Mugaya citing financial difficulties as the root cause of their struggles. “Let Bugweri not think they were strong; we were missing key players due to financial constraints. We call upon well-wishers to support Bulamogi because football unites us all,” Mugaya stated.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Bukono edged out Bunhole Bunhanhumba 1-0 in the Mawembe Hill group, increasing their chances of progressing. Luuka pulled off a surprise 1-0 victory over Bukooli Bugiri in the Bukowe Hill group, while Bukooli Namayingo kept their knockout hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Buzaaya in the Kagulu Hill group.
Sunday’s Clashes: Kigulu and Budiope Make Their Mark
On Sunday, Kigulu secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Bunha at Buluuba Hospital Playground in the Bukowe Hill group. Kigulu, two-time champions, dominated the match but were left frustrated by a lack of finishing, with veteran striker Jamil Mukungu’s header striking the post in the first half. Despite the missed opportunities, coach Hamid Balikoowa was pleased with the result.
“We came for three points, but this draw was enough to see us through. We’ve faced challenges, with many players missing due to exams, but we’re thrilled to progress to the quarter-finals,” said Balikoowa. Kigulu now leads the group with 9 points, followed by Luuka on 6.
Bunha, despite their struggles, still hold hope of advancing. “We’ve been fighting hard, even with financial challenges where players had to transport themselves today. We’ll keep pushing in the final match,” Bunha coach William Mulumba said.
In another pivotal match on Sunday, Budiope stunned defending champions Busiki with a 1-0 victory at Irundu Playground, claiming top spot in the Nendha Hill group. Budiope now leads with 10 points, while Busiki drops to second with 9 points. The result sets up a tantalising decider next weekend, where Budiope will face Bugweri, who sit third with 7 points.
Up Next!
As the group stages draw to a close, the race for quarter-final spots intensifies. Buzaaya has already secured their place in the Kagulu Hill group, but all eyes will be on next weekend’s clash between former winners Butembe and Bukooli Namayingo, both locked on 4 points.
In the Mawembe Hill group, Bugabula has already qualified, but second place is still up for grabs as bottom-placed Bunhole Bunhanhumba (3 points) look to leapfrog Bukono (4 points) in the final round of matches.
With four matches on Saturday and two on Sunday to close out the second round, the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup promises more excitement as the quarter-finals loom.
