The third match day of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup 2024 delivered an intense round of football action across various venues, with a mix of victories, draws, and dramatic moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Busiki 2-1 Budiope: Gayanda Brace Restores Busiki’s Winning Ways
After a tough 2-0 loss in their opening fixture against Bugweri, MTN Busoga Masaza Cup holders Busiki Chiefdom bounced back with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Budiope at Namutumba Playground. The win was crucial for Busiki’s hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals, and it came after a scoreless first half marred by sloppy play under heavy rain.
The second half saw a more lively performance from both sides, with end-to-end action that culminated in Isa Gayanda’s left-footed volley in the 60th minute. The goal came after Budiope goalkeeper Musa Matende mishandled a teasing cross from Busiki’s left-back Araabu Tibita.
Budiope responded 15 minutes later with a stunning 25-yard equalizer from winger Hakim Gadimba. However, the match took a contentious turn in the 82nd minute when Budiope fans stormed the pitch, protesting the referee’s decision to cancel out Umaru Balusilye’s potential go-ahead goal. Security intervened, and after play resumed, Gayanda struck again in the 88th minute, securing the win for Busiki and sending the home crowd into jubilation.
Busiki’s coach, Dennis Watuke, praised the fans for their support and promised an even better performance in the return fixture against Budiope. “I am happy for our fans who came in large numbers against a team that gave us a hard time today. But I promise to put up a much better performance when we visit Budiope as we aim to qualify for the quarter-finals,” Watuke said.
Budiope’s coach, Isa Kifuuwa, expressed his disappointment with the referee’s decision but remained hopeful for improvement in their next match. “Today we were undone by the referee’s decision, but we hope to improve in the next fixture,” Kifuuwa said.
Kigulu 1-1 Bunha: Late Drama as Mutebe Saves the Day
At Iganga Saza Ground, Bunha FC’s Karim Mutebe emerged as the hero with a late equalizer that salvaged a 1-1 draw against Kigulu FC. Mutebe struck in the 89th minute, leveling the score after missing several earlier opportunities to find the back of the net.
Kigulu had taken an early lead in the 12th minute through Ismail Tumubula, who had several chances to extend their advantage, including a missed free header in the 29th minute. Despite the missed opportunities, Kigulu held on to their slim lead until Mutebe’s late thunderbolt dashed their hopes of a win.
Bunha Coach Charles Sande was pleased with his team’s resilience, while Kigulu’s coach, Balikowa Hamid, acknowledged the challenges faced and vowed to intensify training ahead of the next matches. The draw left Kigulu and Bunha with shared points in their Bukowe group, where Luuka also played out a 1-1 draw against Bukooli Bugiri at Hindocha Primary School.
Other Results
Elsewhere, Bulamogi secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Bugweri Entuudhi at Namwiwa Primary School, while Bunhole Bunanumba edged Bukono 1-0 at Bugadde Primary School. Buzaaya also claimed a 1-0 win against Bukooli Namayingo at Lwanyama Primary School, rounding off a day filled with tightly contested matches across the region.
The third match day of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup 2024 demonstrated the competitive spirit and drama that fans have come to expect from the tournament. With each team fighting for a spot in the quarter-finals, the stakes are only getting higher as the competition progresses.
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