Mwenge South became the first team to book a place in the Tooro Kingdom MTN Amasaza Cup final after edging Kitagwenda 1-0 on Sunday, while Burahya Isaza moved a step closer to joining them after beating Fort Portal City 2-1 in the first leg of the other semi-final on Friday.
The weekend delivered two closely contested matches, with both winners securing narrow advantages as the fifth edition of the Tooro Kingdom MTN Amasaza Cup enters its decisive stages.
Burahya edge Fort Portal in semi-final first leg
Burahya Isaza claimed the advantage in semi-final two after defeating Fort Portal City 2-1 at Kicwamba Technical College Playground on Friday evening.
The match attracted hundreds of spectators from the surrounding Masaza, with both sides producing an entertaining contest.
Burahya took the lead towards the end of the first half when Christopher Tumukunde, popularly known as “Adebayor”, found the breakthrough.
Fort Portal City responded before the interval, drawing level through an own goal to send the teams into the break on level terms.
The decisive moment came late in the second half when substitute Goodman Muhulizi found the back of the net to restore Burahya’s lead and secure a 2-1 victory.
Muhulizi was subsequently named Man of the Match, while Fort Portal City’s Nicholas Atuhaire was recognised as the Second Best player.
The result gives Burahya a slender advantage heading into the return leg, with Fort Portal City set to host the second meeting on 28 August at Buhinga Playground. The winner over the two legs will secure a place in the final.
Speaking after the match, MTN Uganda representative Prime Longino urged young people to view the tournament as an opportunity to develop their football talent and build positive relationships rather than engage in unhealthy rivalry.
Longino also challenged the young fans who attended the match to support the campaign to end HIV/AIDS in the Tooro Kingdom and become ambassadors for an HIV-free community.
“Even MTN as sponsors wishes to sponsor a generation that is healthy,” Longino said.
The tournament’s enhanced Player of the Match reward structure also featured prominently, with each competing team nominating one outstanding player before the Technical Committee selects the overall winner. The winning player receives UGX 200,000, while the second nominee receives UGX 100,000.
Joram sends Mwenge South into the final
On Sunday, Mwenge South became the first team to reach the final after defeating Kitagwenda 1-0 at Ntara Christian Playground in Kitagwenda County.
The decisive moment arrived in the 49th minute, when Joram Seruwagi scored the only goal of the game to send Mwenge South through.
The Kyenjojo side held on to their advantage to secure their second appearance in the tournament’s final.
Seruwagi was named MTN Player of the Match and received UGX 200,000 for his performance. He credited the team’s collective effort and supporters who travelled to back them.
“We played as a team and won as a team. We appreciate our supporters and fans who travelled that long distance to come and cheer us,” Seruwagi said.
Kitagwenda’s Joseph Businge was also named Man of the Match in the match, according to the tournament report, while Julius Aliganyira praised his side for their performance throughout the competition despite their semi-final exit.
“We played well since the start of the tournament. We thank MTN Uganda for the support, we are now focusing on next year,” Aliganyira said.
The result means Mwenge South now await the winner of the remaining semi-final between Burahya and Fort Portal City, with that tie still finely balanced after Burahya’s 2-1 first-leg victory.
The weekend also highlighted the tournament’s broader community message, with Prime Longino commending Kingdom officials for the organisation of the competition and thanking young people for their support of the Kingdom’s agenda, including the campaign to end HIV/AIDS in the Kingdom.
Longino also reminded the public of MTN’s increased tournament budget, which includes a bull-roasting celebration for the eventual champions.
With Mwenge South already through and Burahya holding a narrow advantage over Fort Portal City, the Tooro Kingdom MTN Amasaza Cup has reached its defining stage. One final place remains, and Fort Portal City will have the chance to overturn the first-leg deficit when the two sides meet again on 28 August.
