Budiope fall to Bukono as Masaza Cup kicks off

Budiope 0–2 Bukono

Bukono launched their MTN Busoga Masaza Cup campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Budiope in a thrilling opening match played at a packed Irundu Primary School playground on Saturday.

Second-half goals from Emmanuel Nabola and Abel Muwola in the 61st and 93rd minutes, respectively, secured the win in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans.

Nabola broke the deadlock after pouncing on a defensive error in Budiope’s backline. He calmly slotted home past goalkeeper Matende Musa from close range after the hosts failed to clear a loose ball.

The opener marked a turning point in the game, dampening Budiope’s earlier energy.

The hosts had started brightly, putting Bukono under pressure in the opening minutes. In the sixth minute, Geoffrey Isoloza appeared to have been fouled in the box, but referee Hassan Nsamba waved away penalty appeals.

Two minutes later, Bukono came close when Nabola found himself one-on-one with Matende, who turned his effort wide for a corner.

Budiope’s striker, Sadat Mukembo, almost put the hosts ahead with a long-range strike that hit the woodwork after Bukono goalkeeper Godfrey Mayanja misjudged the ball’s flight.

In the 16th minute, Bukono’s Vincent Mugondi nearly scored an own goal under pressure, his mis-hit clearance ending up as a corner. Budiope’s Simon Etyang then sent a powerful shot narrowly wide in the 28th minute.

At the other end, Joel Stanley Mupere had a one-on-one chance for Bukono in the 32nd minute but was denied. Julius Mwagala also had a golden opportunity in the 39th minute, only for his shot to be blocked. Nabola then failed to convert the rebound.

After the break, Budiope were dealt a blow when key playmaker Mukembo was forced off with a muscle injury. Bukono capitalised on the numerical advantage to take the lead through Nabola.

Budiope coach Isa Kifuuwa introduced Moses Adroze and Jovan Ochan in the 63rd minute for Etyang and Ashraf Amuke. Mukembo briefly returned but was soon replaced by Mubarak Bogere in the 65th minute. In the 87th minute, Ochan had a chance to level, but his shot was deflected.

Bukono’s coach Farouk Kiige substituted Nabola for Muwola in the same minute, a move that paid off when Muwola sealed the win in stoppage time with a composed finish.

Coach Kiige praised his team’s performance and outlined his ambitions: “I’m delighted to have taken maximum points away from home, and I assure my fans that I want the trophy. The reason we won is because the boys played together, and they’re still young, making it easy to instruct them.”

Budiope coach Kifuuwa blamed the loss on the injury to his star man. “My playmaker was injured, and as you saw, we conceded when he was out being treated. He tried to get back and played, but he couldn't continue, and I had to eventually withdraw him. Every team has a player they build around, and that was mine today. However, I’m expecting some licences that didn’t come out today, and I believe we’ll bounce back stronger.”

The match was graced by William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, who officially launched the tournament under the theme "Men are the Pillars", a call to action against rising teenage pregnancies in the region.

He was accompanied by several dignitaries, including Dr Joseph Muvawala (Katuukiro of Busoga), Alhaji Ahmed Osman Noor (second deputy Katuukiro), Eng. Moses Magogo (FUFA president), Amin Bbosa Nkono (minister of sports in the Busoga Kingdom), Yudaya Nabirye (minister for Kyabazinga affairs), MTN Uganda representatives, former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango, and TOC Isa Magoola Kakaire, the tournament chairman.

MTN Uganda awarded Rasuli Pande of Bukono the Man of the Match award, which included a brand-new Kabode Super phone.

The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup action continues on July 19 with three matches: Butembe vs Kigulu at Namagera Town Council Grounds, Bukooli Bugiri vs Bugabula at Hindocha Primary School, and Bunha vs Buzaaya at Buluba Hospital Grounds.

On Sunday, July 20, Busiki hosts Bukooli Namayingo at Kisiki College, while Bunhole Bunanhumba take on Bugweri at Bugade Primary School. All matches kick off at 4:00 pm.