The 2025 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup continues to serve up surprises, with Bukooli Namayingo delivering the biggest upset of the weekend by beating defending champions Butembe 2-1 on Matchday 2, while Bunha showed remarkable grit to rescue a point away from home despite fielding no substitutes.
At a packed Namayingo Grounds on Saturday, the home side recovered from an early setback to stun Butembe in a dramatic second-half turnaround. Butembe had taken the lead in the 20th minute through Enos Kusula, who rose highest to nod home from Nicolas Mukiibi’s corner. The champions looked in control, but Bukooli Namayingo missed two key first-half chances and refused to go down quietly.
Coach George Ivan Wamala responded with a bold triple substitution after the break, and the decision paid off in style. Ten minutes into the second half, substitute Edrine Sanja raced down the right flank and sent in a precise cross for Levis Baraza Okello to level the match.
Then came the killer blow. With Butembe pinned deep, a foul near the corner flag handed Bukooli another opportunity. Jonah Nalugoda whipped in the perfect delivery, and Hassan Sanya powered home a header at the far post to complete the comeback and ignite wild celebrations in Namayingo.
Wamala credited his substitutes for turning the game on its head. “We started slow, but the changes were part of the strategy. The boys stepped up and executed the plan,” he said post-match. “We’re not stopping here. This win gives us confidence to keep pushing.”
Butembe boss Isaac Kitakule admitted his side had themselves to blame. “Too many mistakes at the back cost us,” he said. “We’ll regroup and correct those errors. It’s early days.”
Sanya’s winner earned him the MTN Kabode Super Phone as man of the match, while fan Sylvester Ojiambo also picked up a reward for his vibrant support.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Kigulu and Busiki drew 1-1 at Iganga Saza Ground in a clash that saw Busiki stay top of the Nendha Group. Bugweri and Bukono also played to a goalless draw at Busesa, keeping both tied atop the Mawembe Group with four points each.
Bunha Dig Deep with No Substitutes
Sunday’s spotlight was on Bunha, who travelled to face Bulamogi at Kasokwe Primary School in Kaliro without a single substitute on the bench. After falling behind to Mawa Anuari’s 25th-minute opener, Bunha came out fighting in the second half. They were rewarded in the 58th minute when Mutebe Karim capitalized on a defensive mix-up to slot home the equalizer.
The draw sees Bunha take two points from two games in Group Nendha. Despite their limited resources, the squad showed real fight and could have stolen all three points late on.
Over in Busalaamu, Luuka were in free-scoring mood as they thumped Bukooli Bugiri 3-0. In Irundu, Budiope edged Bunhole Bunanhumba 1-0 in a tense affair.
What’s Next
The tournament resumes August 3rd with another round of group matches. Butembe will be desperate to bounce back, while Bukooli Namayingo aim to ride the momentum and Busiki look to protect their lead at the top of Group Nendha.
As the MTN Kabode-powered tournament heats up, fans can expect more upsets, comebacks, and drama across the Busoga sub-region.
