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Irundu, Buyende District: Bukono kicked off their MTN Busoga Kingdom Masaza Tournament campaign in style with a clinical 2-0 win over Budiope, in a tightly contested opener played at a packed Irundu Primary School playground on Saturday.
Second-half goals from Emmanuel Nabola and Abel Muwola were enough to seal the win for last season’s finalists, as they capitalized on Budiope’s injury woes and defensive lapses to take all three points in front of a home crowd that included the Kyabazinga of Busoga, HRH William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV.
Injuries Undo Budiope’s Early Promise
Budiope started brightly, looking the more likely to score in the opening exchanges. In the 6th minute, Isoloza Geoffrey appeared to be brought down in the box, but referee Hassan Nsamba waved away penalty appeals. Two minutes later, Bukono’s Nabola had the first real chance of the match in a one-on-one with Budiope goalkeeper Matende Musa, who parried the effort wide.
The hosts continued to push, with striker Mukembo Sadati rattling the woodwork with a long-range attempt that caught Bukono custodian Mayanja Godfrey off his line. Budiope then forced a corner in the 16th minute after Vincent Mugondi nearly turned the ball into his own net under pressure. Etyang Simon fired just wide from distance in the 28th minute before Bukono began to grow into the game.
Despite good opportunities from Bukono’s Joel Stanley Mupere and Julius Mwagala late in the half, the first 45 ended goalless — though it wasn’t short of drama or near-misses.
Second-Half Surge
The turning point came early in the second half when Budiope’s influential playmaker, Mukembo Sadati, went down with a muscle injury. With Sadati receiving treatment off the pitch, Bukono struck. A loose ball in the box fell kindly to Emmanuel Nabola, who coolly slotted past Matende in the 61st minute to give the visitors the lead.
Although Sadati briefly returned, his mobility was clearly limited, and he was eventually replaced by Bogere Mubarak in the 65th minute. Budiope coach Isa Kifuwa made additional substitutions in a desperate attempt to claw back into the game, bringing on Adroze Moses and Ochan Jovan.
Jovan nearly found the equalizer in the 87th minute, but his shot was deflected wide. With Budiope pushing bodies forward, Bukono pounced again on the counter. In stoppage time, substitute Abel Muwola latched onto a loose ball to fire home the insurance goal and secure a statement win for the visitors.
Bukono’s head coach, Farouk Kiige, praised his team’s composure and youthful energy after the win.
“I’m delighted to have taken maximum points away from home, and I assure my fans that I want the trophy,” Kiige said. “The reason we won is because the boys played together, and they’re still young, making it easy to instruct them.”
His opposite number, Budiope’s Isa Kifuwa, lamented the untimely injury to his key playmaker.
“My playmaker was injured, and as you saw, we conceded when he was out being treated,” Kifuwa said. “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.”
“But I have seen the mistakes in my team, and I promise my fans to help the team return to winning ways.”
Royal Kickoff and Thematic Message
Saturday’s opener was officially launched by the Kyabazinga of Busoga, HRH William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, who was joined by dignitaries including Dr. Joseph Muvawala (Katuukiro of Busoga), Alhaji Ahmed Osman Noor, FUFA President Moses Magogo, and MTN Uganda representatives.
The tournament is being played under the theme: “Men are the pillars of ending teenage pregnancy, men are key to making a family develop.”
Busoga Kingdom Sports Minister Amin Nkono Bbosa applauded the massive turnout for the kickoff game, which drew fans from across the region.
As part of the post-match celebrations, Bukono midfielder Rasuli Pande was named Man of the Match and received a brand-new Kabode Super Phone from MTN Uganda.
What’s Next
The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup continues on July 19 with three headline fixtures:
- Butembe vs Kigulu at Namagera Town Council Grounds
- Bukooli Bugiri vs Bugabula at Hindocha Primary School
- Bunha vs Buzaaya at Buluba Hospital Grounds
On Sunday, July 20, the action continues with:
- Busiki vs Bukooli Namayingo at Kisiki College
- Bunhole Bunanhumba vs Bugweri at Bugade Primary School
All games are scheduled for a 4:00 PM kick-off.
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