As the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup heated up over the weekend, fans were treated to thrilling
football action that saw Butembe and Busiki emerge victorious in their respective matches. The
tournament, generously sponsored by MTN Uganda, has captured the hearts of fans across the
Busoga region, and this weekend's matches did not disappoint.
Saturday, 26th August Matches: Butembe Stages a Comeback, Kigulu Clinches Victory
Saturday's clashes showcased the fierce competition and unwavering support from the home
crowd. Butembe Saza faced off against Bukooli Bugiri in an intense Mawembe group C
encounter at the Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe. Butembe's head coach, Afani Ikoba, proved
to be the mastermind behind his team's victory as they rallied from a goal down to secure a 2-1
win.
The first half saw Bukooli Bugiri dominate proceedings, with Tonny Isaata netting a well-
deserved goal after 15 minutes. Musa Oboya in Butembe's goal had a nervy moment,
mishandling Arajab Mugwa's long-range looping free-kick, leading to Isaata's goal.
However, a tactical shift by Ikoba in the second half proved decisive. He introduced Isaac
Mukiibi in goal and Keyness Wejuli on the field, while also changing the formation to a 4-3-3.
This change reinvigorated Butembe's attack, leading to a swift counterattack that saw George
Makuba leveling the score at 1-1 after 52 minutes. The turning point came in the 78th minute
when Bukooli Bugiri conceded a penalty, which right-back Mikel Abasa confidently converted,
securing a 2-1 victory for Butembe.
"I had to switch to a 4-3-3 system that favored my attackers well, especially with my long ball
system that suffocated my opponents," stated Coach Ikoba, giving credit to both the tactical
adjustment and the spirited home crowd.
In another match, Kigulu narrowly edged past Bulamogi with a 1-0 victory, maintaining the
intensity of the weekend's football action.
Sunday, 27th August Fixture: Busiki Triumphs Over Bugabula
Sunday's group C match between Bugabula and Busiki brought out the passion of the fans in
the Busoga region. The MTN Uganda sponsorship continued to make its impact felt as Busiki
saza secured a 2-1 victory against the home side, Bugabula saza.
Musa Kigenyi (34th) and David Isiko (40th) fired first-half goals for Busiki, establishing their
dominance in the game. The Busiki front strike force, complemented by a dynamic midfield,
proved to be a formidable combination that Bugabula's struggling defense found difficult to
contain.
Despite a valiant effort from Bugabula in the second half, including a penalty conversion by
Lukman Lwanga, Busiki's early lead proved insurmountable. The final score stood at 2-1 in
favor of Busiki.
"We are going to double our efforts when we travel to face Luuka this weekend," commented a
determined Coach Sadan Kazindula of Bugabula, recognizing the lessons learned from the
match.
Dennis Watuke, Busiki's head coach, expressed his pride in leading his team to victory. "I am
proud to be the first coach to register a win at this ground. It's just the beginning, and there are
four matches left to secure our spot in the quarter-finals," he said confidently.
As the tournament moves forward, the excitement continues to build, with more matches set for
the upcoming weekend. Stay tuned for the action as teams vie for a coveted spot in the quarter-
finals.
Upcoming Matches: Saturday, 2nd September and Sunday, 3rd September
The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup action resumes with four matches on the horizon:
Saturday, 2nd September:
Bukono vs. Bugweri at Ivukura Subcounty
Budiope vs. Bunha at Kidera Rock
Sunday, 3rd September:
Buzaya vs. Butembe at Kasambira Church of Uganda Primary School Playground
Luuka vs. Bugabula at Luuka District Headquarters
As the teams prepare for these clashes, fans can expect more intense battles and captivating
moments in the ongoing MTN Busoga Masaza Cup.
