Masaza Cup

• Final: Bulemeezi 1-0 Gomba
• Third Place: Mawokota 3-0 Buddu

Bulemeezi registered a 1-0 narrow victory against Gomba in the Masaza Cup Finals at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku on Saturday.

Johnson Ssenyonga’s lonely goal was the difference between the two sides in the tight encounter.

It was an end-to-end encounter as either side shared a fair percentage of possession.

Ivan Kawooya nearly gave Bulemeezi the lead but failed to convert Herbert Asiimwe’s delivery after a quick transition.

Halfway into the first stanza, Allan Oryiwoth spoilt Gomba’s glorious chance after remaining with a goalkeeper to beat.

After the halftime break, Bulemeezi returned a stronger side making quicker attacks like a team on a mission.

Eleven minutes into the second half, Ssenyonga’s well-taken strike from a long-range beat Gomba custodian Joseph Lubega to place Bulemeezi in the driving seat.

John Ssenyonga kept Gomba in reach after clearing Patrick Kagulire’s effort off the goalline.

Gomba through in the kitchen sink as they searched for an equaliser but Bulemeezi’s backline stood tall and firm.

Bulemeezi walked away with 12 million while Gomba took home nine million as a token.

Crested Cranes interim head coach Charles Ayiekho Lukula has named a squad of 20 ladies to travel to Cameroon.

The squad travelled on Saturday morning (2:45 AM) aboard Ethiopian Airways.

The team is expected to have a stopover in Addis Ababa before later continuing to Douala.

Going into the game, Uganda has a 2-0 advantage into the second leg that is scheduled for Tuesday, October 31.

Catherine Nagadya and Fazila Ikwaput were on target as Uganda registered maximum points.

The aggregate winner between Uganda and Cameroon will player the victor from the Nigeria or Ethiopia clash.

Uganda continues to search for a ticket to the 2024 Paris Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Crested Cranes Traveling Squad

Goalkeepers: Daisy Nakaziro, Vanessa Edith Karungi, Gloria Namakula

Defenders: Asia Nakibuuka, Sumaya Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, Desire Katisi Natooro, Bridget Nabisaalu

Midfielders: Joan Nabirye, Phiona Nabbumba, Zaitun Namaganda, Shamirah Nalugya, Jackline Adong

Forwards: Fauzia Najjemba, Fazila Ikwaput, Catherine Nagadya, Joanitah Ainembabazi, Lillian Kasuubo, Elizabeth Nakigozi, Anita Namata

• Uganda Premier League | Fixtures
• Bright Stars vs Vipers SC
• Maroons vs URA

Soltilo Bright Stars have had a slow start to the ongoing Uganda Premier League. They have so far suffered two losses and registered two draws.

They kicked off the campaign with a 1-0 loss to BUL FC before they had back-to-back one-all draws against Wakiso Giants and URA FC.

In the most recent game, they fell to Express FC in a 1-0 narrow loss after Alpha Thiery Ssaali’s early opener.

They will take the search for their first victory of the season to the clash against Vipers SC. The two sides will lock horns in a much-anticipated clash at Kavumba Recreation Grounds in Wakiso.

In a pre-match conference, Bright Stars striker Sam Ssenyonjo expressed readiness ahead of the game noting the squad is confident that that they are finally getting off the mark.

“We have prepared well and most players are around. We have few injuries but in the game against Vipers all we need is a win and we shall surely get it,” Ssenyonjo revealed.

“We shall not our approach towards this game. We only need to perfect our craft. They are a good side but last season we beat them from our home so we are ready to take them on” he added.

“We have not started the season well but I am confident that our first point will come off Vipers so our fans should not lose hope because we are going to make them happy” he concluded.

Bright Stars took four points away from Vipers last season. The sides drew at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende before Bright Stars won the game at Kavumba.

• Uganda Premier League | Results
• Thursday, October 26, 2023
• KCCA FC 0-2 NEC FC

NEC FC extended KCCA FC’s winless run to five games in the Uganda Premier League.

In a game that was played at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, KCCA FC suffered a 2-0 loss to league newbies NEC FC on Thursday under the floodlights.

Cromwell Rwothomio scored a first-half brace to give Hussein Mbalangu’s troops the maximum points on the day.

It was a perfect start for the visitors who took the lead in the fifth minute of the game thanks to Cromwell’s brilliant finish. The forward looped the ball past the on-running custodian Anthony Emojong.

As KCCA searched for an equaliser, Ashraf Mugume missed a glorious chance in the 15^th minute with his effort from close range comfortably collected by NEC’s goalkeeper Samson Kirya who had a good day in office.

Eleven minutes later, Cromwell extended the visitors’ lead with a beautiful header off Sulaiman Ssesazzi’s free-kick, just steps away from the goal line.

After the halftime break, the Kasasiro Boys seemed a lit-up side seeking to change the score with quick transitions upfront but none yielded.

Saidi Mayanja came close to halving the deficit but his effort was blocked by NEC FC’s defender Angello Ssempijja in the 48^th minute.

Muhammad Shaban witnessed his diving header go wide of the target by inches six minutes later.

Late in the game, KCCA’s trouble compounded as Usama Arafat was stretchered off the playground due to an injury.

The victory takes NEC FC to the third position on the log with 12 points gathered from the possible 15.

KCCA will take the search for their maiden point to Adjumani on Tuesday, October 31 where they will play Arua Hills SC who have also lost five of their opening games.

On the other hand, NEC FC will take on Gaddafi on Wednesday, November 1 at Lugogo.

How they lined up

KCCA FC XI: Emojong Anthony (GK), Filbert Obenchan, Mustafa Mujuzi, Emmanuel Loki, Muhammad Shaban, Mustafa Kizza, Peter Magambo, Ashraf Mugume, Faisal Wabyoona, Usama Arafat

NEC FC XI: Samson Kirya (GK), Ronald Ogena, Ibrahim Tembo, Cromwell Rwothomio, Allan Mugalu, Shamir Kimwero, Joseph Dhata, John Acire, Rashid Okocha, Enock Ssebaggala, Angello Ssempijja

The Crested Cranes of Uganda started their journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Cameroon at the Fufa Technical Center in Njeru.

Catherine Nagadya and Fazila Ikwaput were on target for the hosts in either half of the first competitive match handled by interim head coach Charles Ayeikoh.

In the tenth minute of the game, Nagadya gave Crested Cranes the lead. The Kampala Queens forward followed up on Shamirah Nalugya’s freekick that was spilt by the Cameroon goalkeeper and Nagadya made no mistake with the rebound.

The hosts came close again in the 26th minute after skipper Fauzia Najjemba was fouled on a sole counterattack. Sumaiyah Komuntale swung in the resultant freekick that was nodded by skipper Fauzia Najjemba in Shamirah Nalugya’s path but the big midfielder couldn’t find the target.

At the half-hour mark, Cameroon awarded a penalty after Joan Nabirye was judged to have fouled following a foul on Kevin Osobo. However, Vanessa Karungi stood big in goal saving Ajara Njoya’s kick and the Cameroon skipper skied the rebound.

After the break, Karungi made a save at the near post in the 60th minute as Cameroon raised the intensity in search of the equaliser.

Fazila Ikwaput got her name on the scoresheet, doubling the lead for Uganda with 15 minutes to play. Following good interplay with Najjembe on the left, the Crested Cranes skipper left her marker behind before setting up Ikwaput whose first shot was blocked before getting a second bite that she took after Nagadya and Nalugya’s efforts were blocked too.

Crested Cranes’ back line stayed solid to take a two-goal lead to the return leg that will be played in a week’s time.

Crested Cranes XI: Vanessa Karungi, Justine Najjuko, Sumayah Komuntale, Shadia Nankya, Joan Nabirye, Zaitun Namaganda (Bridget Nabisaru), Phiona Nabbumba, Shamirah Nalugya, Fazila Ikwaput, Catherine Nagadya (Elizabeth Nakigozi) and Fauzia Najjemba (C)

Uganda Premier League | Friday Fixtures

• Maroons FC vs URA FC
• Bright Stars FC vs Vipers SC
• UPDF FC vs Express FC

URA FC have had a fair start to the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League. The Tax Collectors have collected eight points out of four games.

However, the two wins have all come from home and each time they have been on the road this season they have shared spoils.

URA FC will be playing Maroons at the Prisons Grounds in an early kick-off at Luzira on Friday, October 27, 2023.

In their previous encounters, URA FC were on the winning side as they edged Wakiso Giants in a 1-0 victory while Maroons fell to BUL FC in a 3-0 loss.

In a pre-match conference, URA FC defender Hudu Mulikyi revealed that they are in search of the first victory ahead of the clash against his former paymasters.

“We have prepared well and I think it’s now time to get our first victory away from home. The game means a lot to us because we want to win and go to better places on the table,” Mulikyi noted.

“It’s my former club yes but am now a Tax Collector. So I will leave everything on the field for my team. I call upon all our supporters to come join us as we fight for maximum points,” he added.

On the other hand, Maroons head coach expects a tough game against URA FC but his troops are ready for battle.

“I am looking forward to the tough game against URA FC. It is a crucial game for us but we are ready to fight so that we secure three points,” he was quoted by the club’s website.

Head to Head

In the last five meetings between the two sides, Maoons has won twice, URA FC has once and the other two games have ended in draws.

Team News

Maroons will be boosted by the return of Darius Ojok who missed the game against BUL due to accumulated suspensions. Goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo also returns after sitting out due to injury.

This game comes so early for Norman Odipio and Denis Rukundo who are still nursing injuries.

Uganda Premier League | Result

• Mbarara City 1-0 Arua Hill SC

Mbarara City finally got off the mark in the Uganda Premier League 2023/24 campaign.

The Ankole Lions registered a 1-0 victory against Arua Hill SC on Wednesday at Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara.

It was an affair between troubled teams that were searching for the first victory in the ongoing campaign.

While Arua Hill had lost four of its opening games, Mbarara City had registered three draws and a loss in the four games.

Henry Kitegenyi placed the Ankole Lions in the driving seat thus scoring the first goal of the campaign thirteen minutes into the game.

Joseph Akadwanaho beat two of his markers and set in a low cross that was perfectly guided in the back of the net by Kitegenyi.

Pius Kaggwa connected perfectly with Kitegenyi’s delivery thus doubling the hosts’s lead but the delightful finish was flagged offside on 33 minutes.

The victory will give Mbarara City self-belief going forward into the season that has started on a slow start.

However, Arua Hill will have to do all it takes to find a solution that takes them out of the poor run having gone five games without a point.

Mbarara City is now ninth on the 16-team log with six points from five games.  

How they lined up

Mbarara City XI: Wycliff Mori Manja (GK), Joseph Akwandanaho, Karim Ramathan, Bakali Magumda, Francis Odongo, Henry Kitegenyi, Pius Kaggwa, Yunusu Sibira, Joel Abaliwana, Innocent Wafula, Hussein Mwanje

Arua Hill XI: Richard Anyama (GK), Wahab Gadafi, Nelson Mandela, Ibrahim Musa, Reagan Mpade, Geriga Atendele, Musa Ssali, Nathan Oloro, Ibrahim Orit, Kerepi Jafar, Brian Omirambe 

KCCA FC starts life under the guidance of interim head coach Jackson Magera, this follows the departure of Sergio Daniel Moniz Traguil.

The Kasasiro Boys take the search for their maiden victory to NEC FC. The two sides will lock horns in a Uganda Premier League tie at MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Thursday.

KCCA will hope to end NEC FC’s perfect streak at home that has seen them register two victories at Lugogo.

They beat Busoga United 5-0 before registering a 2-0 victory against UPDF FC. The other victory was against Mbarara City in the league opener while their only loss came against SC Villa.

Despite being newcomers, NEC FC have enjoyed quite a decent start in the top tier league and KCCA will have to set up a good plan to break them down.

In a pre-match presser ahead the clash, Magera revealed that a positive mentality will give them a victory against NEC FC.

“Our big assignment as coaches is to try and boast the player’s mentality so that they get us out of this hard time,” Magera noted.

“NEC FC is a good team. They have a better momentum after winning three games so the game will not be easy at all but we have to take maximum points,” he added.

“They have a very physical squad and we know it but we have to be mobile and not fall into their trap. We badly need the win and we shall do all it takes to ensure that we create some stability.”

Head to head

The two sides have never met in any league encounter and this will be the first time they take on each other. However, during the pre-season, they played a trial game and KCCA won 2-0.

Team News

The game comes too early for KCCA FC captain Julius Poloto who recently started his rehabilitation process. Herbert Achai and Usama Arafat return to the squad after missing the last encounter due to fitness levels.

Muhammad Shaban has recently recovered from a fever and will require a late test to tell his fate.

Derrick Ochan and Moses Waiswa will keep out as they complete their suspension.

Uganda Premier League

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

• Wakiso Giants 1-3 Kitara FC

• Mbarara City 1-0 Arua Hill SC

Kitara FC fought from a goal down to beat Wakiso Giants for their fifth victory of the Uganda Premier League 2023/24 campaign.

Kitara FC registered a 3-1 victory against Wakiso Giants on Wednesday evening at Kabaka Kyabbaggu Stadium in Wakiso.

Titus Ssematimba gave the hosts the lead before Denis Omedi, Brian Aheebwa and Jude Ssemugabi gave the Pride of Bunyoro a well-deserved victory.

Sematimba gave the Purple Sharks the lead in the 28^th minute after pegging Kitara on the back foot. The agile midfielder was set up by Kenneth Kimera before he beat his marker to a cool touch before he curled the ball home to beat Kitara’s custodian Chrispas Kusiima.

Six minutes later, Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye had a glorious chance to square the game but his shot went wide after being released by Omedi.

Two minutes later, Omedi showcased his football skills sending George Kaddu to the floor before he delivered the ball in the area using a rabona. George Ssenkaaba’s final touch on the ball sent it wide away from the target.

Two minutes into the second stanza, Omedi restored parity to regain the visitors’ hope in the game. Jasper Aheebwa curled in a well-weighted free kick that was nodded home by Omendi right at the near post to level matters.

Brian Aheebwa jumped highest to nod home Jasper Aheebwa’s cross from the left flank in the 80^th minute.

Late in the game, second-half substitute Ssemugabi capitalised from Ssekagya’s mistake to bury the game.

The victory takes Kitara back to the log summit with 15 points while Wakiso Giants dropped to the 11^th with four points.

How they lined up

Wakiso Giants XI: Bashir Ssekagya (GK), Hassan Ssenyonjo, Bashir Asiku, Apollo Kagogwe, Ambrose Arinda, George Kaddu, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Mikidadi Ssenyonga, Kenneth Kimera, Marvin Nyanzi, Titus Ssematimba

Kitara FC XI: Chrispas Kusiima (GK), Maxwell Owachgiu, Ibrahim Mugandazi, Frank Tumwesigye, Jasper Aheebwa, George Senkaaba, Living Kabon, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Paddy Muhumuza, Donato Okello, Denis Omedi 

Uganda Premier League | Results 

• Busoga United 1-0 Gaddafi FC

With a man less, Busoga United registered a 1-0 victory against Gaddafi in the Uganda Premier League at Gaddafi Arena on Tuesday.

Busoga Unites clinched the Soldier Boys to take home the Jinja derby bragging rights.

It was Isaac Doka Mweru whose goal awarded Busoga United the maximum points in the close duel.

Busoga finally returned to winning ways, their last victory closing as registered after beating Arua Hill 1-0 in the league opener.

The result takes Gaddafi back to the drawing board since they also beat Arua Hill SC 1-0 in their last league game.

The visitors finished the game with 10 men after Sunday Mulanda was given matching orders in the second half.

The loss leaves Gaddafi in the 12th position with three points while Busoga United sit eighth with seven points.

Next, Busoga will be home against UPDF while Gaddafi will visit NEC FC on November 1.