Bulamogi players in blue battle Buzaaya in yellow during their goalless MTN Busoga Masaza Cup c

Bugabula claimed their first home victory of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over Bukono, while Butembe moved top of the Mawembe Hill Group after beating Bunhole Bunhanumba. Buzaaya and Bulamogi, meanwhile, played out a goalless draw after Bulamogi goalkeeper Matende Musa saved a first-half penalty.

Bugabula 2-0 Bukono

Bugabula produced one of their strongest displays of the competition so far as they secured a maiden home victory in this edition with a comfortable 2-0 win over Bukono at Kamuli Municipal Stadium.

The hosts dominated the opening half and deservedly took the lead in the 28th minute when Kiyemba Raymond converted from the penalty spot.

Bugabula continued to control the contest after the break and came close to doubling their advantage when Barasa Levis raced through on goal but sent his attempted finish hard over the bar.

Levis was later replaced by Kasakya Ibra, whose introduction added more energy to the Bugabula attack.

The second goal arrived around the hour mark. A ball from the right found Kasakya in a dangerous position, but he missed a close-range tap-in. Kagga Kosea was on hand to follow up and produced a fine finish to make it 2-0.

Bugabula continued to threaten after the second goal. In the 70th minute, Kasakya created space with his pace, beat the Bukono defenders and unleashed a long-range effort that kissed the woodwork.

Bukono struggled to create clear opportunities, with their best chance coming around 15 minutes from time when substitute Maganda Ashraf delivered a dangerous cross into the box with the goal line to beat, only for the visitors to have no one available to finish.

Bugabula coach Bogere Siraj said his side had been determined to respond after their previous defeat to Bunha.

“Since we lost to Bunha, we came back with a lot of anger. The players came into the game fully fit and we could have actually scored more than two goals.”

Bukono coach Kiige Farouk remained confident despite the defeat.

“Since this is an away game, we did not get all our players available in time but it’s not over. If you look at the group, the leading team has 4 points and we have 1, so it’s a matter of us winning the next match and we will be contending.”

Kagga Kosea was named Player of the Match and received UGX 200,000 from MTN Uganda, while Bukono’s Mutaisa Musa took the runner-up award worth UGX 100,000.

The result leaves Budiope top of the group on four points, with Bugabula and Bunha on three and Bukono on one after two matches.

Next up, Bukono host Bunha at Ivukula Sub County Headquarters, while Bugabula welcome Budiope to Kamuli Municipal Stadium for the BB Derby.

Butembe 2-0 Bunhole Bunhanumba

Butembe moved to the top of the Mawembe Hill Group with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bunhole Bunhanumba at Kakindu Stadium.

The match marked the return of competitive football to Kakindu after a very long absence from the venue, which has previously hosted clubs including Nile FC, Victors FC, BUL FC and Busoga United FC.

The passionate Jinja crowd was treated to a disciplined Butembe performance, although Bunhole started brightly and asked questions of the home defence.

Five minutes in, Shem Ssebulima was forced to clear Jonathan Okiror’s close-range effort, while Okiror went close again moments later with a shot that went wide.

Both teams looked to exploit the wings and use long balls, but Butembe found the breakthrough in the 14th minute.

A dangerous Pius Wakooli corner caused problems in the Bunhole box, with Akisam Ssegawa rising to head Butembe into the lead.

Bunhole continued to press and came close to an equaliser after the interval. Anthony Bagenda and James Musana both saw their attempts blocked by Hassan Zirabamuzaale and Daniel Bakaaki.

Butembe coach Isaac Kitakule responded with tactical changes, including the introduction of target striker Mubarack Tumwiine, whose presence immediately caused problems for the visitors.

The pressure paid off in the 80th minute. Bunhole conceded another corner, their fifth of the game, and Wakooli once again delivered dangerously. Tumwiine got the decisive touch, directing the ball into an empty net to make it 2-0.

Bunhole coach Ali Kasolo made late substitutions, bringing on Alex Andama, Johnson Okiroli and Sadat Mukembo, but there was too little time to change the outcome.

Butembe now have four points from two matches and sit at the top of the Mawembe Hill Group.

Petterson Mudul was named Player of the Match, edging Bunhole’s Mustafa Kasolo.

Kasolo admitted that mistakes had proved costly but insisted his side would respond.

“A few mistakes we made today costed us three points but we shall regroup and fight for 3 points. We know that the team has not been financially beefed til the last days where a few institutions came in to beef up. We might have struggled to make a good lineup but we promise our fans to make Bugadde grounds a fortress this time.”

Kitakule praised his players for executing their preparations.

“It waz not an easy game against a very good side. But we had good preparations that enabled us to win today. We will focus on having maximum points now that first round is over.”

Buzaaya 0-0 Bulamogi

Buzaaya and Bulamogi shared the points after a dramatic 0-0 draw in which both sides had opportunities to take all three points.

Buzaaya started on the front foot, dominating possession and pressing high as Bulamogi were forced into a deeper defensive shape.

Nkuma Martin was particularly influential in midfield, controlling the centre of the pitch and repeatedly switching play with diagonal balls towards the wings.

Buzaaya’s pressure almost produced the breakthrough in the 32nd minute when Kiiza Nicholas burst down the right, beat his marker and sent a low cross into the box. However, neither Kayizzi Samuel nor Mukungu Andrew could connect with it.

Buzaaya made their first tactical change in the 38th minute, with Ssajjabi Reagan replacing Musagala Suarez.

But the visitors nearly struck against the run of play five minutes later. Soloza Geoffrey cut in from the right and unleashed an effort that beat Buzaaya goalkeeper Kyonjo Ashraf but came back off the woodwork.

Moments later, Kyonjo produced an important save to deny another Bulamogi opportunity from close range.

Then came the biggest moment of the first half.

Just before the break, Mukungu Andrew was fouled inside the box and Buzaaya captain Musa Muledu stepped up from the spot. His penalty was brilliantly saved by Bulamogi goalkeeper Matende Musa.

Bulamogi grew stronger after the restart. Ssebukera Marvin and Kiige Alex combined on a counter-attack, with Kiige sending his effort narrowly wide.

Matende was then forced off after picking up an injury in the 50th minute, with Kiiza Hamza coming on in his place.

Bulamogi nearly capitalised on a defensive mix-up in the 58th minute, but Ssebukera’s effort was blocked for a corner.

Buzaaya continued to push for the winner and came close again late on when Ngobi Jimmy unleashed a long-range effort in the 88th minute, only for the ball to strike the post.

Buzaaya coach Kazindula Sadam rued the missed penalty but remained optimistic about the team’s prospects.

“We could have won, had we not missed the penalty. My player was under pressure and that’s why he missed. However, I still have a game at home and another one away and I am optimistic that I will get positive results.”

Bulamogi coach Kifuuwa Isa was pleased with his side’s performance.

“My boys played very well and I am impressed. I now look forward to getting maximum points from my next fixture at home against Luuka.”

Matende Musa was named Player of the Match for his penalty-saving display, with Kyonjo Ashraf taking the runner-up award.

Buzaaya have now completed their first-round fixtures in the three-team group. Bulamogi will complete their first round on 10 September when they host Luuka in Kaliro. Luuka opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Buzaaya.