MTN Busoga Masaza Cup Final
Butembe 1-0 Bukono
Butembe ended their six-year await glory by edging previous Bukono 1-0 in a pulsating ultimate at Bugembe Stadium on Sunday. In entrance of a capability crowd, which included the Kyabazinga of Busoga, Ivan Nakalanda’s early strike sealed Butembe’s second championship title within the match’s seven-year historical past.
The match lived as much as its billing, showcasing ability, willpower, and a tense battle between two well-prepared sides. Butembe, showing of their fourth ultimate, had been decided to shake off their tag as perennial runners-up. Their resolve paid off in simply the eleventh minute when Nakalanda unleashed a thunderous shot that sailed previous Bukono’s visibly nervous goalkeeper, Kenneth Otema.
Butembe practically doubled their lead earlier than the break, with Obadiah Kibirige rattling the crossbar within the forty fifth minute, sending a wave of tension by the passionate supporters. Bukono’s first-half struggles had been evident, with their nerves affecting their means to execute key performs.
Bukono’s resurgence got here within the second half, sparked by the introduction of speedy winger Christopher Ngobi. His tireless work down the best flank created alternatives for Ismail Mukwahawa and Hassan Mutyaba, however each forwards squandered essential possibilities, sending their efforts off track. Despite Bukono’s late cost, Butembe’s backline, marshaled by Jonathan Waisswa and Umaru Asirikwa, held agency beneath intense strain.
Speaking after the match, Butembe head coach Bosco Mugerwa expressed his satisfaction within the group’s efficiency and resilience. “Much as we had a great first half, our attacking prowess was put to the take a look at within the second half after Nakalanda was compelled off with a knock. However, our group’s combating spirit, impressed by our passionate supporters and patron Edrine Lufafa, carried us by,” Mugerwa mentioned.
Bukono’s coach, Martin Amodoi, lamented his group’s nervous begin and missed alternatives. “Much as we tried to make a late comeback, my recreation plan was derailed by our shaky begin. We confronted a group that was merely hungrier to elevate the title, and I congratulate Butembe on their victory,” Amodoi remarked.
The match concluded with Butembe receiving the coveted trophy and a money prize of UGX 13 million, whereas Bukono walked away with UGX 9 million. Bugabula secured third place and UGX 6 million, with Buzaya incomes UGX 4 million for his or her fourth-place end. Bugabula’s Saidi Kazindula was awarded the match’s high scorer accolade after netting seven objectives.
Reflecting on the success of this 12 months’s competitors, the Busoga Kingdom’s Deputy Minister of Sports acknowledged the spectacular turnout all through the match. “The giant crowds that graced this 12 months’s version are a testomony to the rising recognition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup,” he mentioned.
The 2024 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup featured 12 groups: Butembe, Bukono, Bugabula, Buzaya, Bulamogi, Bunha, Bunhole-Bunhanumba, Bukooli Bugiri, Bukooli Namayingo, Luuka, Bugweri, and Kigulu. The match kicked off in August and delivered thrilling soccer motion, culminating in a dramatic ultimate that highlighted the very best of Busoga’s footballing expertise.
