MTN Busoga Masaza Cup Final
Butembe 1-0 Bukono
Butembe ended their six-year look forward to glory by edging previous Bukono 1-0 in a pulsating last at Bugembe Stadium on Sunday. In entrance of a capability crowd, which included the Kyabazinga of Busoga, Ivan Nakalanda’s early strike sealed Butembe’s second championship title within the match’s seven-year historical past.
The match lived as much as its billing, showcasing ability, willpower, and a tense battle between two well-prepared sides. Butembe, showing of their fourth last, had been decided to shake off their tag as perennial runners-up. Their resolve paid off in simply the eleventh minute when Nakalanda unleashed a thunderous shot that sailed previous Bukono’s visibly nervous goalkeeper, Kenneth Otema.
Butembe practically doubled their lead earlier than the break, with Obadiah Kibirige rattling the crossbar within the forty fifth minute, sending a wave of hysteria by way of the passionate supporters. Bukono’s first-half struggles had been evident, with their nerves affecting their skill to execute key performs.
Bukono’s resurgence got here within the second half, sparked by the introduction of speedy winger Christopher Ngobi. His tireless work down the appropriate flank created alternatives for Ismail Mukwahawa and Hassan Mutyaba, however each forwards squandered essential probabilities, sending their efforts off course. Despite Bukono’s late cost, Butembe’s backline, marshaled by Jonathan Waisswa and Umaru Asirikwa, held agency below intense strain.
Speaking after the match, Butembe head coach Bosco Mugerwa expressed his pleasure within the workforce’s efficiency and resilience. “Much as we had an excellent first half, our attacking prowess was put to the check within the second half after Nakalanda was pressured off with a knock. However, our workforce’s combating spirit, impressed by our passionate supporters and patron Edrine Lufafa, carried us by way of,” Mugerwa mentioned.
Bukono’s coach, Martin Amodoi, lamented his workforce’s nervous begin and missed alternatives. “Much as we tried to make a late comeback, my recreation plan was derailed by our shaky begin. We confronted a workforce that was merely hungrier to carry the title, and I congratulate Butembe on their victory,” Amodoi remarked.
The match concluded with Butembe receiving the coveted trophy and a money prize of UGX 13 million, whereas Bukono walked away with UGX 9 million. Bugabula secured third place and UGX 6 million, with Buzaya incomes UGX 4 million for his or her fourth-place end. Bugabula’s Saidi Kazindula was awarded the match’s prime scorer accolade after netting seven objectives.
Reflecting on the success of this yr’s competitors, the Busoga Kingdom’s Deputy Minister of Sports acknowledged the spectacular turnout all through the match. “The massive crowds that graced this yr’s version are a testomony to the rising reputation of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup,” he mentioned.
The 2024 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup featured 12 groups: Butembe, Bukono, Bugabula, Buzaya, Bulamogi, Bunha, Bunhole-Bunhanumba, Bukooli Bugiri, Bukooli Namayingo, Luuka, Bugweri, and Kigulu. The match kicked off in August and delivered thrilling soccer motion, culminating in a dramatic last that highlighted one of the best of Busoga’s footballing expertise.