The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup’s group stage got here to a dramatic finish on Sunday, delivering thrilling matches that determined the quarter-final line-up. Former champions Butembe claimed the highlight in a extremely anticipated encounter, edging Bukooli Namayingo 1-0 to prime the Kagulu hill group in a tense match at Budondo Subcounty playground.
Butembe’s Narrow Victory Sends Bukooli Namayingo Packing
In the match of the day, Butembe snatched victory towards Bukooli Namayingo due to a second of brilliance from Nicolas Mukiibi. The winger curled a surprising shot into the highest proper nook within the thirty seventh minute, leaving Bukooli’s protection rooted and sending the Butembe devoted into wild celebrations.
The 2017 champions confirmed resilience all through the match, and their win elevated them to 7 factors, securing their place on the prime of the Kagulu hill group. Despite coming into the match with excessive hopes, Bukooli Namayingo had been eradicated after ending third with simply 4 factors.
Assistant coach Dafa Kisige of Butembe praised his squad’s preparation and singled out Mukiibi for his contribution:
“It was sport, however one of the best group that ready effectively gained in the present day. I’m particularly pleased with Mukiibi’s return from damage to attain the winner.”
Bukooli Namayingo’s coach Ivan George Wamala lamented missed alternatives:
“We had many possibilities, however they capitalized on theirs. That’s soccer.”
Bugabula and Bunha Sail Through
Elsewhere, Bugabula Saza secured their quarter-final berth with a 2-0 victory over Bunhole Bunhanhumba, topping the Mawembe hill group with 10 factors. The outcome additionally propelled Bukono into the knockouts as runners-up with 4 factors, marking their first-ever development to this stage.
Bunha additionally booked their place within the subsequent spherical, defeating Luuka 2-0 within the Bukowe hill group. Hassan Mwinyi opened the scoring early on, and Edrine Mukisa sealed the outcome within the 89th minute after a well-worked transfer with Samuel Ekwaru. The win noticed Bunha end second within the group with 7 factors, behind group leaders Kigulu.
Bunha’s coach, Charles Sande, attributed the win to his group’s self-discipline and exhausting work:
“I’m happy with the boys for shifting from the group levels to the quarter-finals, particularly given the monetary challenges we have confronted.”
Despite the loss, Luuka’s assistant coach Aggrey Bagabo counseled his group’s efforts:
“The match wasn’t unhealthy, however sadly, we didn’t get the outcomes we had been hoping for.”
Kigulu Dominates Bukooli Bugiri
In the Bukowe hill group, Kigulu, already assured of a spot within the knockouts, secured a 2-0 win over Bukooli Bugiri. Veteran striker Jamil Mukungu led the cost, whereas Timothy Isabirye and Ali Kiyemba added to their dominance in a match that solidified their place on the prime with 12 factors.
Kigulu coach Hamid Balikoowa was happy together with his group’s progress:
“We got here for 3 factors, and this level was important for us to progress.”
Busiki Triumphs Over Bulamogi, Budiope vs Bugweri Postponed
Defending champions Busiki capped off their group stage marketing campaign with a 2-0 win over Bulamogi, securing prime spot within the Nendha hill group with 12 factors. However, the much-anticipated conflict between second-placed Budiope and third-placed Bugweri was postponed following an unlucky damage to Budiope’s goalkeeper. The match will likely be rescheduled, with the quarter-final draw nonetheless hanging within the stability.
Quarter-Finalists Confirmed
With the group stage now full, the highest two groups from every group advance to the quarter-finals. The qualifiers embrace Bugabula and Bukono from Mawembe hill, Kigulu and Bunha from Bukowe hill, Butembe and Buzaaya from Kagulu hill, and Busiki alongside both Budiope or Bugweri from Nendha hill, pending the end result of the rescheduled match.
The quarter-finals promise much more motion because the competitors heats up, with the highest groups vying for glory on this yr’s MTN Busoga Masaza Cup.
