In an electrifying showdown at the Buluba hospital playground, Bunha reigned supreme
in a heart-pounding Mayuge derby, edging out Bunhole Bunanumba 4-3 in the MTN
Busoga Masaza Cup. The fiercely contested match left fans on the edge of their seats,
showcasing the relentless intensity of Busoga’s football scene.
The game got off to a roaring start with Bunhole Bunanumba’s skipper, Emmanuel
Kizza, scoring a pinpoint towering header just 12 minutes into the match, stunning the
home fans. However, Bunha swiftly countered the blow with Joram Ogeni’s equally
impressive header off Ruben Obbo’s corner, levelling the score just five minutes later.
As drizzles began to fall, Bunhole Bunanumba capitalized on Bunha’s defensive lapses,
with Ausi Masaba finding the net in the 28th minute. But Bunha refused to back down,
responding swiftly with David Oketcho’s deflected shot in the 32nd minute. Brian Ochan
added to the excitement with a spectacular half-volley just before halftime, sending the
home crowd into wild celebration and giving Bunha a 3-2 lead.
The second half saw end-to-end action, with both teams thrilling the fans. Substitute
Kassimu Balidawa, racing down the right wing, scored a crucial goal to secure Bunha’s
4-2 lead. In the added minutes, Bunhole Bunanumba pulled one back with Muzaham
Gonza’s late header, but it wasn’t enough as they suffered a 4-3 defeat.
Bunha’s victory catapulted them to the top of the Nhenda hill group with four points,
following their earlier goalless draw against Budiope saza.
Coaches’ Reactions:
Bunha’s head coach, Ronald Lukungu, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am happy
that we got our first three points. My boys kept believing in themselves even after going
down twice. We kept fighting to the end, and that will give us a positive attitude as we
head for our trip against Bukooli-Namayingo saza.”
Bunhole Bunanumba’s head coach, Ronald Mulero, had some concerns, mentioning,
“The match went well, despite the unfair referee who virtually allowed our opponent’s
goal that had been disallowed by his assistant after the ball crossed the line for a goal
kick. My team does not train together due to financial constraints. We appeal to the
team’s hierarchy to respond positively.”
Sunday’s Football Drama: Busiki Edges Out Luuka
On Sunday, the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup continued with more thrilling matches. In
Namutumba, the rain and storm couldn’t deter the determined fans who gathered to
witness the Kagulu hill group preliminary match between Busiki saza and Luuka saza at
Kisiki college Namutumba.
Busiki head coach Dennis Watuke credited better preparation from the team’s
management for their 1-0 victory against Luuka saza. The game faced a brief
interruption as heavy rains and storms hit, causing both sets of players to return to the
dressing room. However, after a delay of around an hour and a half, the action
resumed.
The decisive goal came 15 minutes into the game when Owen Isabirye scored a smart
header from Godfrey Mulero’s corner. Both teams struggled for possession due to the
soggy playing surface, but Busiki secured a vital win.
Busiki’s head coach, Dennis Watuke, expressed relief, saying, “This win has indeed
helped us sail through the knockout phase early with 6 points.”
Meanwhile, Ali Kasolo, Luuka’s head coach, blamed the heavy downpour for disrupting
their game plan.
Bugweri Shines, Bukoli-Bugiri Suffers
In other MTN Busoga Masaza Cup action, Bugweri saza secured a 1-0 victory against
two-time champions Kigulu at Busesa mixed primary school playground in Bugweri
district. Kenneth Mwanagoli’s 85th-minute winner ended Bugweri’s four-game losing
streak against Kigulu and marked their second league win in the Bukowe hill group.
Bukoli-Bugiri, on the other hand, suffered their second consecutive loss in the
Mawembe hill group, losing 1-0 at home to Buzaya saza.
As the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup continues to deliver excitement, fans eagerly await
more thrilling moments in this prestigious tournament.