Mwenge North made a stunning debut in the MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Masaza Cup on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat hosts Bunyangabu 3-2 at Kibiito Playground in a fiery Group C clash.
The result not only handed Mwenge North a perfect start to their campaign, it also dumped Bunyangabu out of the tournament for a second straight year. With just one point from two games, Bunyangabu join Kibale County among the early exits.
Things looked promising early on for the hosts. Joshua Nyando put Bunyangabu ahead in the 6th minute, converting a penalty after being fouled in the box by Mwenge North keeper Amon Edie.
But Mwenge responded fast. Nine minutes later, Mukiisa Moses climbed highest to head in a cross from Bahati William, leveling the score.
Bunyangabu regained the lead just before halftime. Midfielder Brian Bwambale fired a powerful long-range shot that sent the home crowd wild and gave them a 2-1 edge at the break.
The second half, though, was all Mwenge North. Captain Muhumuza Moses took charge of the game and turned the tide.
He equalized in the 58th minute with a composed penalty after Joseph Alituha was penalized for handball. Then, just seven minutes later, Muhumuza scored again — this time with a close-range header past Bunyangabu goalkeeper Kenneth Nanyuba.
Mwenge held firm to close out the 3-2 win. Their skipper’s leadership and clinical finishing earned him the Man of the Match award, along with a brand-new Kabode smartphone from tournament sponsors MTN Uganda.
“Bunyangabu is a tough team and played a good game because they knew a loss would send them out,” Muhumuza said after the match. “But I’m proud that we didn’t lose focus even after the early penalty. We stayed calm and got the job done.”
Mwenge North now lead Group C with three points, and with momentum firmly on their side, they look ready to make waves in their first-ever appearance at the tournament.
