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Busiki and Bunha Share the Spotlight on Thrilling Match Day 3
The third match day of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup 2024 delivered an intense round of
football action across various venues, with a mix of victories, draws, and dramatic moments that
kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Busiki 2-1 Budiope: Gayanda Brace Restores Busiki’s Winning Ways
After a tough 2-0 loss in their opening fixture against Bugweri, MTN Busoga Masaza Cup
holders Busiki Chiefdom bounced back with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Budiope at
Namutumba Playground. The win was crucial for Busiki's hopes of advancing to the quarter-
finals, and it came after a scoreless first half marred by sloppy play under heavy rain.
The second half saw a more lively performance from both sides, with end-to-end action that
culminated in Isa Gayanda's left-footed volley in the 60th minute. The goal came after Budiope
goalkeeper Musa Matende mishandled a teasing cross from Busiki’s left-back Araabu Tibita.
Budiope responded 15 minutes later with a stunning 25-yard equalizer from winger Hakim
Gadimba. However, the match took a contentious turn in the 82nd minute when Budiope fans
stormed the pitch, protesting the referee’s decision to cancel out Umaru Balusilye’s potential go-
ahead goal. Security intervened, and after play resumed, Gayanda struck again in the 88th
minute, securing the win for Busiki and sending the home crowd into jubilation.
Busiki’s coach, Dennis Watuke, praised the fans for their support and promised an even better
performance in the return fixture against Budiope. “I am happy for our fans who came in large
numbers against a team that gave us a hard time today. But I promise to put up a much better
performance when we visit Budiope as we aim to qualify for the quarter-finals,” Watuke said.
Budiope’s coach, Isa Kifuuwa, expressed his disappointment with the referee’s decision but
remained hopeful for improvement in their next match. “Today we were undone by the referee's
decision, but we hope to improve in the next fixture,” Kifuuwa said.
Kigulu 1-1 Bunha: Late Drama as Mutebe Saves the Day
At Iganga Saza Ground, Bunha FC’s Karim Mutebe emerged as the hero with a late equalizer
that salvaged a 1-1 draw against Kigulu FC. Mutebe struck in the 89th minute, leveling the score
after missing several earlier opportunities to find the back of the net.
Kigulu had taken an early lead in the 12th minute through Ismail Tumubula, who had several
chances to extend their advantage, including a missed free header in the 29th minute. Despite
the missed opportunities, Kigulu held on to their slim lead until Mutebe’s late thunderbolt dashed
their hopes of a win.
Bunha Coach Charles Sande was pleased with his team's resilience, while Kigulu’s coach,
Balikowa Hamid, acknowledged the challenges faced and vowed to intensify training ahead of
the next matches. The draw left Kigulu and Bunha with shared points in their Bukowe group,
where Luuka also played out a 1-1 draw against Bukooli Bugiri at Hindocha Primary School.
Other Results
Elsewhere, Bulamogi secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Bugweri Entuudhi at Namwiwa Primary
School, while Bunhole Bunanumba edged Bukono 1-0 at Bugadde Primary School. Buzaaya
also claimed a 1-0 win against Bukooli Namayingo at Lwanyama Primary School, rounding off a
day filled with tightly contested matches across the region.
The third match day of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup 2024 demonstrated the competitive spirit
and drama that fans have come to expect from the tournament. With each team fighting for a
spot in the quarter-finals, the stakes are only getting higher as the competition progresses.