BUL and Maroons played to a 1-all draw at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. Jerome Kirya put BUL ahead in the 45+1 minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Maroons, with Isaac Wagoina providing the crucial setup.
Maroons quickly responded in the second half, with Brian Omirembe equalizing in the 50th minute.
Throughout the match, both teams had multiple opportunities to take the lead with BUL’s goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa particularly making critical saves in the 12th and 27th minutes to keep the score level.
Just before halftime, Ibrahim Orit came close for BUL, but his effort went narrowly wide.
In the second half, Maroons faced a setback when Muwanda was sent off in the 66th minute for a second bookable offense.
BUL’s coach Abbey Kikomeko sought to capitalize on the numerical advantage by introducing young talents Innocent Rwothomio and Swabir Mpasa in the 82nd minute to bolster the attack. Ultimately, this wasn’t enough as the game ended in a stalemate.
The return leg is scheduled for Wednesday at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.