Fort Portal County grabbed a slim but vital advantage in the MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Masaza Cup after edging defending champions Burahya County 1–0 in a tense semifinal first leg on Sunday at St. Mary Major Seminary playground.
The clash was a repeat of last year’s final, which Burahya won on penalties after a 1–1 draw, and it delivered the same intensity. This time, Fort Portal captain Malik Yasin proved the difference, striking in the 81st minute to send the home crowd into wild celebrations.
Yasin, who had wasted several chances in the first half, redeemed himself with the decisive goal and was later named Man of the Match, receiving a brand-new MTN Kabode phone. “We played very well and dominated the game in both halves, though we were unlucky in the early stages,” Yasin said. “I’m confident we’ll win the away game and qualify for the final.”
Fort Portal coach Tumusiime Tadeo, back on the touchline after serving a suspension, praised his side’s fight. “We had a good game, though we faced challenges in the second half when one of our players picked a minor injury,” he said. “In the away leg, we’ll defend our win but also attack to try and seal another victory.”
Burahya coach John Kukundakwe admitted his side missed crucial opportunities but promised a response at home. “Let’s wait for them at home. We played well but never scored from the chances we created. I’m sure we can reverse the results at home,” he said.
The decisive second leg will be played on August 24 at Kyembogo playground in Kabarole District. In the other semifinal, Kyaka County—the 2022 champions—host Mwenge South on August 17.
Meanwhile, in the netball competition, Mwenge South booked their place in the finals with a 51–36 win over Kitagwenda County. Kyaka will face Fort Portal in the remaining semifinal on August 17.
