Fort Portal County reached their second consecutive MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Cup final after a goalless draw with defending champions Burahya on Sunday at St. Mary’s Major Seminary, Kinyamasika.
Carrying a 1-0 advantage from the first leg on August 10, courtesy of an 81st-minute strike by captain Yasin Maliki, Fort Portal only needed to avoid defeat in the return leg. They did just that, showing discipline and resilience before a full crowd.
The first half was evenly matched with few clear chances, but Burahya pushed hard after the break in search of a turnaround. Fort Portal goalkeeper Bingi Moses was outstanding, making key saves that earned him man-of-the-match honours and a second straight clean sheet in the tie.
Assistant coach Francis Kyamukama said the team approached the game with a plan. “We know Burahya very well. Last year we lost to them in the final, so we prepared carefully this time,” he explained.
Head coach Tadeo Tumusiime credited his players for digging deep. “The boys showed great character. Last year’s pain motivated us, and this time we are determined to go all the way,” he said.
For Burahya, who knocked out Fort Portal in last year’s final after penalties, the exit was painful. But fan Israel Kabyanga noted the wider value of the competition. “We appreciate the sponsors MTN Uganda and our kingdom for always organizing such games because they bring us together,” he said.
Fort Portal’s 1-0 aggregate win secured a historic second straight final appearance, and a chance at redemption. They will now face either Mwenge South or Kyaka, with Kyaka leading 3-0 ahead of the second leg on August 31.
The final is scheduled for September 7 at Buhinga Stadium, where Fort Portal will be chasing their first-ever Masaza Cup crown.
