Bukono made a confident start to their 2025 MTN Busoga Kingdom Masaza Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Budiope in Saturday’s tournament opener, played at the buzzing Irundu Primary School grounds in Buyende District.
Second-half goals from Emmanuel Nabola and substitute Abel Muwola gave Bukono a deserved win over the hosts, whose bright start was quickly undone by injuries and missed chances.
The match was watched by a full house, including the Kyabazinga of Busoga, HRH William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV.
Budiope were dominant early on, with Mukembo Sadati and Isoloza Geoffrey creating chances that nearly gave the home side the lead.
They had a strong penalty shout waved off in the 6th minute and rattled the woodwork moments later. But their momentum stalled when star man Sadati limped off injured shortly after the break.
Bukono took full advantage. Nabola fired in the opener in the 61st minute while Sadati was off the pitch receiving treatment.
Although the playmaker returned briefly, he was clearly struggling and was soon subbed off for Bogere Mubarak.
Budiope’s late push nearly paid off when substitute Ochan Jovan saw his effort deflected wide in the 87th minute.
But as they chased the equalizer, Bukono struck again on the break. Muwola sealed the win in stoppage time, punishing Budiope’s stretched defense to hand Bukono a big win on the road.
Bukono coach Farouk Kiige praised his team’s discipline and hunger after the final whistle.
“I’m delighted to have taken maximum points away from home. The boys played with purpose and listened to instructions,” said Kiige. “They’re young, they’re eager, and they want this trophy as badly as I do.”
His Budiope counterpart Isa Kifuwa pointed to Sadati’s injury as the game’s turning point.
“We conceded when he was off the pitch,” Kifuwa said. “He tried to continue, but it was clear he couldn’t go on. Every team has a spine, and he’s ours.”
Despite the result, Kifuwa remained optimistic. “I’ve seen our mistakes, and I promise the fans that we’ll come back stronger.”
The match also served as the official launch of this year’s tournament. Dignitaries including Dr. Joseph Muvawala, FUFA President Moses Magogo, Alhaji Ahmed Osman Noor, and MTN Uganda reps joined the Kyabazinga to flag off the event.
This year’s theme — “Men are the pillars of ending teenage pregnancy, men are key to making a family develop” — was reiterated by Busoga Kingdom Sports Minister Amin Nkono Bbosa, who commended the region’s strong support for youth sports.
Bukono’s Rasuli Pande was named Man of the Match and awarded a Kabode Super Phone courtesy of MTN Uganda.
Coming Up Next:
The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup resumes Friday, July 19 with:
- Butembe vs Kigulu at Namagera Town Council Grounds
- Bukooli Bugiri vs Bugabula at Hindocha Primary School
- Bunha vs Buzaaya at Buluba Hospital Grounds
Sunday, July 20:
- Busiki vs Bukooli Namayingo at Kisiki College
- Bunhole Bunanhumba vs Bugweri at Bugade Primary School
