The action-packed weekend within the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup noticed drama unfold throughout varied grounds, with groups vying for essential quarter-final spots. Bugweri stole the present on Saturday with a dominant 6-0 win, whereas Kigulu secured their place within the knockouts on Sunday regardless of a irritating goalless draw.
Saturday’s Showdown: Bugweri Thrashes Depleted Bulamogi
Saturday’s fixtures supplied thrilling contests, none extra so than Bugweri’s emphatic 6-0 demolition of a depleted Bulamogi facet at Busesa Mixed Playground. Despite the match beginning late attributable to safety protocols, Bugweri made probably the most of their numerical benefit, dealing with a Bulamogi staff with solely eight outfield gamers.
Bugweri’s relentless assault was spearheaded by Arafat Nkola, who netted a second-half hat-trick, whereas Edgar Kigundu, Nicolous Kilubira, and Daniel Bacachi additionally discovered the again of the web. The victory revived Bugweri’s hopes of advancing from the Nendha Hill group, placing them in second place with 7 factors, simply behind Busiki on 9 factors.
Coach Emmanuel Balyejusa of Bugweri expressed aid and confidence forward of their decider in opposition to Budiope. “Today’s three factors have been essential. The heavy scoreline offers my gamers the momentum they want forward of the do-or-die conflict with Budiope,” stated Balyejusa.
For Bulamogi, it was a demoralising defeat, with coach Mohammed Mugaya citing monetary difficulties as the foundation reason for their struggles. “Let Bugweri not suppose they have been sturdy; we have been lacking key gamers attributable to monetary constraints. We name upon well-wishers to help Bulamogi as a result of soccer unites us all,” Mugaya said.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Bukono edged out Bunhole Bunhanhumba 1-0 within the Mawembe Hill group, rising their probabilities of progressing. Luuka pulled off a shock 1-0 victory over Bukooli Bugiri within the Bukowe Hill group, whereas Bukooli Namayingo saved their knockout hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Buzaaya within the Kagulu Hill group.
Sunday’s Clashes: Kigulu and Budiope Make Their Mark
On Sunday, Kigulu secured their spot within the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 0-0 draw in opposition to Bunha at Buluuba Hospital Playground within the Bukowe Hill group. Kigulu, two-time champions, dominated the match however have been left annoyed by an absence of ending, with veteran striker Jamil Mukungu’s header hanging the put up within the first half. Despite the missed alternatives, coach Hamid Balikoowa was happy with the consequence.
“We got here for 3 factors, however this draw was sufficient to see us by. We’ve confronted challenges, with many gamers lacking attributable to exams, however we’re thrilled to progress to the quarter-finals,” stated Balikoowa. Kigulu now leads the group with 9 factors, adopted by Luuka on 6.
Bunha, regardless of their struggles, nonetheless maintain hope of advancing. “We’ve been combating exhausting, even with monetary challenges the place gamers needed to transport themselves at the moment. We’ll hold pushing within the closing match,” Bunha coach William Mulumba stated.
In one other pivotal match on Sunday, Budiope surprised defending champions Busiki with a 1-0 victory at Irundu Playground, claiming prime spot within the Nendha Hill group. Budiope now leads with 10 factors, whereas Busiki drops to second with 9 factors. The consequence units up a tantalising decider subsequent weekend, the place Budiope will face Bugweri, who sit third with 7 factors.
Up Next!
As the group levels draw to a detailed, the race for quarter-final spots intensifies. Buzaaya has already secured their place within the Kagulu Hill group, however all eyes shall be on subsequent weekend’s conflict between former winners Butembe and Bukooli Namayingo, each locked on 4 factors.
In the Mawembe Hill group, Bugabula has already certified, however second place continues to be up for grabs as bottom-placed Bunhole Bunhanhumba (3 factors) look to leapfrog Bukono (4 factors) within the closing spherical of matches.
With 4 matches on Saturday and two on Sunday to shut out the second spherical, the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup guarantees extra pleasure because the quarter-finals loom.
