Ntoroko County stormed to the top of Group B in the MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Cup after a commanding 4-1 win over Kitagwenda County on Sunday at a buzzing Karugutu Primary School Playground.
Backed by a lively home crowd, Ntoroko bounced back from their opening loss in style, grabbing their first three points and a healthy goal difference that puts them ahead of Burahya County, who are also on three points.
The star of the day was forward John Kisembo, who netted twice—once in the 18th minute and again deep into stoppage time—to earn the Man of the Match award along with an MTN Kabode phone.
His opening goal set the tone before Fred Ndugwa made it 2-0 with a powerful header that sent the crowd into wild cheers.
Kitagwenda, playing their first game of the tournament, clawed one back through Rahim Mayaja just before halftime, but their hopes of a comeback were dimmed when Ntoroko’s Siraji Bwambale was sent off in the 21st minute for a last-man challenge on Darius Naturinda. Down to ten men, Ntoroko didn’t flinch.
Instead, they pushed forward with grit and confidence. Masembe Juma added a third with a precise header off a Mugara Geoffrey cross, and Kisembo sealed the win in the 92nd minute with his second of the day.
Ntoroko official Francis Mwesige was full of praise for the team’s fight. “We are happy that our boys played a very good game and managed to win at home,” he said.
Kitagwenda assistant coach James Mwesigye admitted his team were second-best all afternoon. “We didn’t play well right from the start. We conceded two early goals and our players made mistakes which cost the team,” he said.
With one group match to go, Kitagwenda sit bottom with no points and must now beat Burahya County to stand a chance, though even that might not be enough.
Burahya need only a draw to secure a semifinal slot, while a win would put them top of the group.
