Bugweri opened their MTN Busoga Masaza Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over hosts Busiki on Saturday, spoiling a festive homecoming for thousands of supporters who gathered at Kaiti Primary School in Namutumba.
Ali Kiyemba scored the decisive goal with a second-half header from Baker Magumba’s corner as Bugweri held on to claim three points in the opening match of the ninth edition of the tournament.
The match drew a large crowd despite humid conditions, with supporters turning out to show their backing for Busoga’s cultural institution and Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV.
The Kyabazinga arrived at about 4 p.m., accompanied by Kingdom Prime Minister Joseph Muvawala Nsekere, Deputy Prime Minister Osman Noor, Culture Minister Fred Mafumu and Sports Minister Amin Nkono Bbosa.
Other dignitaries included the assistant sports minister Dan Musota and Jinja North Member of Parliament Hussein Muyonjo.
Bugweri strike after Busiki chances
Busiki dominated much of the first half but failed to convert several chances. Raymond Lubanga and Sulaiman Kitende were among the home side’s main threats, but their efforts failed to produce a goal.
Bugweri coach Umaru Matende responded at half-time by introducing pace on the wings, bringing on Jackob Kikonde and Israel Awadda.
The changes gave Bugweri greater attacking momentum and created space for Kiyemba and Tom Babalanda to trouble the Busiki defence.
The visitors’ pressure eventually produced the breakthrough. Busiki struggled to deal with a series of balls into their penalty area before conceding a corner. Magumba delivered from the set-piece and Kiyemba rose to head Bugweri in front.
Busiki pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way through. Former Butembe playmaker Nolicolous Mukiibi was introduced in the second half in an attempt to revive the home side’s attack.
Mukiibi had several opportunities, including four efforts that went over the bar. He appeared to have equalised in the 89th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Bugweri held on to secure the opening victory. Babalanda was named player of the match and received a Shs200,000 cash prize from MTN Uganda.
Coaches target deeper run
Matende said his team had struggled in the first half as they assessed their opponents but improved after the interval.
“We had a torrid first half trying to study our opponents. After a half-time talk and a few substitutions, we went out for early attacks that saw us get the goal we defended,” he said.
Matende said Bugweri were targeting a run beyond the quarter-finals, which has traditionally been their stopping point in the competition.
“Our target is to go past the usual quarter-finals. We definitely want to make it to the semi-finals and make our fans smile,” he said.
Busiki coach Dennis Watuke said his team had created more chances but had been punished for failing to take them.
“It is hurting that we created many more chances than our opponents. But our opponents got a few and punished us,” Watuke said.
He urged supporters to remain patient as the team seeks to recover from the defeat.
“It is just a start and we are going to regroup and rediscover our winning touch that will enable us to make it to the knockout stage. We need our fans to stay calm,” he said.
Isaac Mpanso, vice-chairman of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup organising committee, praised supporters for maintaining discipline despite the large turnout.
The tournament continues next weekend, with Bukono hosting Budiope at Ivukula Sub-county playground on Saturday.
On Sunday, Bukooli Namayingo will face Bukooli Bugiri in a local Bukooli derby at Namayingo Primary School playground.
Bunha will also host Bugabula in another Bukowe Hill group match at Wembley playground.
The ninth edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup brings together teams representing the traditional counties of Busoga in a tournament that combines football competition with the promotion of Busoga’s cultural identity and community engagement.
