The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup returned with an intense set of quarterfinal fixtures at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe, thrilling thousands of fans with upsets, standout plays, and top-level competition. Friday’s opening day action set the tone, as reigning champions Busiki were stunned by Bugabula in a dramatic 1-0 defeat. Saturday’s games saw Kigulu and Bunha eliminated, as new challengers emerged to contest the coveted trophy.
Budiope team line up
Friday Quarterfinal Results:
Bugabula 1-0 Busiki
Budiope 0-2 Bukono
Saturday Quarterfinal Results:
Kigulu 0-1 Buzaaya
Bunha 1-3 Butembe
Bugabula Stuns Reigning Champions Busiki
In Friday’s headlining match, Bugabula eliminated defending champions Busiki, with Edgar Magombe’s stunning 25-yard strike in the 55th minute proving decisive. Magombe’s goal curled past Busiki goalkeeper Andrew Aboket, sealing Bugabula’s place in their third consecutive semi-final and sending shockwaves through the tournament.
Bukono player(blue) taking on Budiope striker
Busiki coach Dennis Watuke attributed the loss to his players’ disrupted rhythm following a delay in the tournament schedule. “We were unlucky to lose today due to my team failing to find the rhythm they had during the group stages. My blame goes to the organizers for delaying the knockout matches, which affected our fitness and team chemistry,” he said.
Kigulu, in green, and Buzaaya, in orange, with Kigulu scoring 1 goal on Saturday at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe
Meanwhile, Bugabula’s coach, Ronald Lukungu, credited his team’s preparedness and work ethic. “While other teams rested, I kept my players in training after the preliminary matches. I set a target of seven wins to lift this trophy, and now we’re just two wins away,” Lukungu said with confidence.
Bukono Clinches Historic Semi-Final Spot
Bukono joined Bugabula in the semifinals after a clinical 2-0 win over Budiope, thanks to a brace from Joel Bola Matua. Budiope’s coach, Isa Kifuwa, lamented missed opportunities, as forwards Moses Adrole and Umaru Baluzibya squandered several chances. “It hurts to see our opponents capitalize on just two chances to bury us,” Kifuwa remarked.
On the opposite bench, Bukono’s coach, Hussein Agaba, praised his team’s preparation and fortune. “We weren’t the stronger side, but luck and good preparation got us through,” Agaba noted.
Buzaaya and Butembe Dominate Saturday’s Quarterfinals
Buzaaya players strategising during their game against Kigulu at the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup
On Saturday, Buzaaya edged out Kigulu 1-0, with Owen Mawejje scoring the only goal to secure Buzaaya’s first-ever semifinal appearance. Kigulu’s coach, Saleh Muwayi, expressed frustration with his team’s lack of fitness and finishing. “We lacked a killer instinct and weren’t fit enough to stay in the game,” Muwayi reflected.
Meanwhile, Butembe advanced after a dominant 3-1 victory over Bunha, thanks to goals from Nicolous Mukiibi (penalty), Ibrahim Ssajabi, and Jonathan Waisswa. Despite Faizal Nadiope’s early equalizer for Bunha, Butembe controlled the game, sending their fans into celebration as they clinched a record sixth semifinal berth.
Butembe player in green challenging Bunha defender during their match
Upcoming Semi-Final Fixtures
With MTN backing this year’s competition with Shs 550 million, excitement is building as the semi-finals approach. Here’s the lineup:
Bukono vs. Buzaaya – 12 pm
Bugabula vs. Butembe – 3 pm
As the semifinals draw closer, fans can look forward to another exhilarating round of action, with new contenders and seasoned teams vying for a shot at the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup trophy.
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