Buddu Edge Defending Champions Buweekula to Deepen Hosts’ Masaza Cup Misery

Buddu produced a disciplined and resilient display to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending Masaza Cup champions Buweekula in a closely contested Group stage fixture at the NTC Grounds in Mubende.

The narrow but significant triumph earned the visitors three valuable points while extending Buweekula’s winless start to the campaign to three matches.

The defeat leaves the reigning champions still searching for their first victory of this year’s tournament, piling pressure on a side that entered the competition with high expectations after lifting last season’s title. With the group stage approaching its decisive stretch, Buweekula now face an uphill task to revive their title defence and secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Supporters from both counties turned up in large numbers, creating a lively and colourful atmosphere long before kickoff. The NTC Grounds came alive with traditional songs, dances and chants as passionate fans proudly rallied behind their teams, adding to the excitement surrounding one of the weekend’s most anticipated Masaza Cup fixtures.

Once the match got underway, both sides displayed tactical discipline and determination, producing an evenly balanced contest. Midfield battles dominated much of the game, while both defences remained organised to limit clear-cut scoring opportunities during a fiercely contested encounter.

Buddu eventually found the decisive breakthrough through Obedi Gui Ronald, whose well-taken strike came after a perfectly delivered cross from Kanda, sending their travelling supporters into wild celebrations. The goal proved to be the turning point of a closely contested encounter, giving the visitors a valuable advantage against the defending champions.

Despite enjoying spells of possession and attacking intent, Buweekula struggled to break down Buddu’s well-organised defence. The visitors remained compact throughout the contest and held firm until the final whistle to record a memorable away victory that significantly boosts their hopes of progressing from the group.

Buddu goalkeeper Siraje Masembe was named Man of the Match after delivering a standout debut performance that helped his team secure a crucial away victory over defending champions Buweekula. Masembe kept a well-earned clean sheet and produced a brilliant save that proved decisive during the encounter, showcasing confidence and composure between the posts as he played a key role in Buddu’s important triumph.

Despite the setback, Buweekula County chief Andrew Mukasa maintained that the defending champions still have a realistic opportunity to advance to the Masaza Cup knockout stage. Recognising the disappointment of the defeat, Mukasa called for renewed focus and determination from the team, urging players and officials to remain united, address the shortcomings exposed by the result and fight for crucial points in the remaining group-stage fixtures.

“This result is disappointing, but our qualification hopes are still alive. We must regroup and focus on the remaining matches,”

Mukasa said.

Buddu head coach Eric Kisuze hailed his players for their discipline, determination and flawless execution of the team’s tactical approach, attributing the hard-earned victory to meticulous preparation in the days leading up to the match. The experienced tactician noted that his side had thoroughly studied their opponents and remained committed to the game plan from the opening whistle to the final whistle, a display he believes was instrumental in overcoming the defending champions on their own turf.

“We studied Buweekula carefully and our game plan worked. The players showed great discipline and deserved the victory,”

Kisuze said.

Buddu captain Siraj Massembe described the victory as a significant boost to the team’s Masaza Cup campaign, praising his teammates for their resilience, teamwork and determination throughout the contest.

While acknowledging the importance of securing three valuable points away from home against the defending champions, the skipper emphasized that the team remains focused on the bigger objective, urging his colleagues to stay humble, maintain their momentum and continue working hard as the tournament enters its decisive stages.

“This is an important win for us, but there is still a long way to go. We have to keep working hard and stay focused,”

Massembe said.

Buweekula will look to reignite their title defence when they host Busujju next Sunday at the NTC Grounds in Mubende, knowing that another setback could severely dent their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Buddu will seek to build on the momentum from their impressive away victory as they continue their pursuit of Masaza Cup glory.

MASAZA CUP MATCH DAY 3 RESULTS

MASENGERE GROUP

• SSESE 3-0 BUSIRO
• MAWOKOTA 1-0 GOMBA
• KYAGGWE 2-1 BULEMEEZI

BULANGE GROUP

• BUVUMA 2-1 BULUULI
• BUWEEKULA 0-1 BUDDU
• BUSUJJU 1-0 KYADDONDO

MUGANZIRWAZZA GROUP

• KABULA 0-2 BUGERERE
• KOOKI 0-1 MAWOGOLA
• BUTAMBALA 1-0 SSINGO