Before kick-off, both sets of players bowed in tribute to former Butembe Sazas goalkeeping coach Sanon Mulabi, who was recently buried.
Once underway, both sides produced a competitive contest, with Butembe creating the first clear opportunity after nine minutes. Akisam Ssegawa fired wide after receiving a threaded pass from Micah Ochen.
Kigulu responded when Kisambira combined with captain Ramathan Kirevu to break through the Butembe defence. The young forward went one-on-one with goalkeeper Rahim Mukisa, who produced a brilliant point-blank save.
Butembe were punished after 20 minutes when they failed to clear a loose ball inside the area.
Kisambira capitalised, chipping the advancing Mukisa before tapping the ball into an empty net to put Kigulu 1-0 ahead.
Butembe returned from the interval with greater attacking intent, prompting coaches Bosco Mugerwa and Isaac Kitamirike to introduce Erias Kayima and Ivan Menya for Alex Lobole and Peterson Mudur.
The changes gave the home side fresh impetus and they eventually levelled in the 64th minute. Ochen Micah finished following a goalmouth scramble to make it 1-1.
Both teams then battled for control, with neither willing to give up the midfield battle.
Kigulu found the decisive moment in the 89th minute. Derrick Menya’s loose ball caused problems for the Butembe defence, and the tiring backline failed to clear. Kisambira reacted quickest, firing home from close range to complete his brace.
The win puts Kigulu top of the Mawembe Hill Group with five points from three matches. Butembe remain second on four points, while Bunhole Bunhanumba have one point from two games. All three teams remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage.
Kisambira was named Man of the Match, while Butembe goalscorer Ochen Micah was runner-up. The Kigulu forward now has two goals in the tournament, joining Bugabula’s Kigenyi Benon and Bugweri’s Gerald Lukoola among the leading scorers.
Kigulu’s victory came after two consecutive 1-1 draws against Butembe at Iganga Saza Ground and Bunhole Bunhanumba at Bugadde Primary School Playground. They have scored in all three matches but have also conceded in each.
Kigulu coach Waiswa Sinani said the victory came from learning from previous mistakes.
“Today’s win came as a result after studying the mistakes we made when facing Butembe and Bunhole in the first round. I came with a youthful team of players who would listen to every details we gave them on the touchline. This will hopefully give us an edge to top the group if we gun for three points against Bunhole Bunhanumba.”
Butembe coach Isaac Kitakule felt his side had created enough opportunities but needed to be more disciplined defensively.
“We gave our all and created many opportunities but we could not convert them. We regroup and return stronger. We only need to limit our mistakes we made at the back though.”
The result further extended Kigulu’s strong record against Butembe in the competition, with the holders now having four wins and two draws against their rivals.
The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup continues on Thursday, October 1, with Buzaya hosting Luuka in a Kagulu Hill Group clash at Nawanyago Primary School Playground, kicking off at 4pm.
