By Ivan Mugisha
Ibanda District and Kazo District battled to a goalless draw in a tightly contested Ankore Cup match on Sunday at St George’s Kagongo Playground, with both sides delivering disciplined defensive performances before a lively crowd of football fans.
The highly anticipated fixture drew hundreds of spectators and was graced by Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo, alongside political leaders and Members of Parliament from neighboring districts.
Despite several promising attacks, neither team managed to break the deadlock. Defenders and goalkeepers held firm throughout the 90 minutes, ensuring the match ended 0–0.
After the final whistle, Kazo District Coach Alex Kizito admitted his side fell short of expectations but expressed optimism. “We did not play to the standards we expected today, but this is only the beginning. We have identified areas that need improvement, and we are confident the team will perform better in the upcoming matches,” he said.
Ibanda’s coach echoed similar sentiments, praising his players’ discipline while stressing the need for sharper finishing and better coordination. “The boys worked hard and remained disciplined throughout the game, but we need to improve our finishing and overall coordination if we are to progress further in the tournament,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Ankore Cup Media Coordinator Manucho Rally emphasized the tournament’s broader purpose. “The Ankore Cup is more than just a football competition. It is a platform for discovering young talent, exposing players to opportunities, and helping them improve their standards of living through the game,” Rally explained.
The tournament officially kicked off on Saturday with another Group A fixture that also ended in a stalemate, as Bushenyi District and Sheema District played out a 0–0 draw.
The Ankore Cup brings together 13 districts from the Ankole sub-region — Mbarara City, Ibanda, Kazo, Kiruhura, Buhweju, Sheema, Rwampara, Bushenyi, Rubirizi, Isingiro, Ntungamo, Mitooma, and Mbarara District — making it one of the region’s largest grassroots football competitions.
With both opening matches ending in draws, teams will be eager to secure victories in their next fixtures as the race for the Ankore Cup title intensifies.
