By Namutebi Sumayiya
The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup weekend action served up a mix of drama, tight defenses, and some unexpected interruptions, as fans across the region were treated to a thrilling display of local football talent.
Saturday: Rain Stops Play as Bugabula and Bukono Clash is Abandoned
In one of the most anticipated matchups of the Mawembe Hill group, home side Bukono took on Bugabula at the Ivukula Sub-County grounds. The match, which kicked off in sunny conditions at 4:03 PM, saw Bukono strike first blood when Collins Wandera capitalized on a defensive mishap to slot home a rebound just three minutes in.
However, Bugabula fought back, and 20 minutes later, Magidu Kazindula fired home an equalizer from close range after a swift counterattack. Just as the game was heating up and inching towards halftime, the weather took a dramatic turn. A heavy downpour began, forcing the match officials to abandon the game in the 44th minute, as the pitch became unplayable and the lines were washed away.
The fourth official later confirmed that the remaining minutes would be completed the following day at 10:00 AM. “The field was flooded, and the lines were washed away, prompting the match officials to discontinue the game. Both teams have agreed to complete the match tomorrow at 10:00 AM,” the official reported.
Elsewhere, fans witnessed a scoreless yet entertaining draw between Bukooli Namayingo and Butembe at the Namayingo Primary School Ground in the Kagulu Hill group. At the Kiyunga Saza Ground, two-time champions Kigulu edged Luuka 1-0, solidifying their position at the top of the Bukowe Hill group.
Sunday: Defenses Hold Firm as Budiope Edges Bulamogi
Sunday’s games were marked by resolute defending, as both matches in the Mayuge and Buyende districts saw limited goalmouth action. At the Buluba Hospital Ground, Bunha and Bukooli Bugiri played out a goalless draw in a tense Bukowe Hill group encounter. Bunha’s goalkeeper, Ivan Opiira, was the standout performer, making two crucial second-half saves to secure a valuable point for the home side.
Bunha’s coach, Charles Sande, praised his homegrown squad for their efforts, highlighting the challenge of integrating new local players. “We had a challenge of using our own homegrown players who were not given a chance in the past editions. But it was a trial game for the players ahead of the matches coming,” Sande remarked.
Bukooli Bugiri’s coach, Sirage Bogere, was left ruing missed opportunities, saying, “It was good officiation, but we failed to utilize the few scoring chances. Hopefully, we can work on our scoring boots in training ahead of the next matches.”
In the Nhenda Hill group clash at Irundu Playground in Buyende, a 17th-minute penalty by Geoffrey Soloza was enough to give Budiope a 1-0 victory over their neighbors Bulamogi. The win propels Budiope into second place, just behind group leaders Bugweri, who had previously defeated reigning champions Busiki 2-0 in the opening match of the tournament.
As the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup continues, the competition remains fierce, with Kigulu and Budiope making early statements in their respective groups. The rescheduled minutes of the Bukono vs. Bugabula match promise further excitement, as both sides look to solidify their positions in the Mawembe Hill group. The weekend’s action has set the stage for an enthralling continuation of the tournament, with fans eagerly awaiting the next round of fixtures.