Saturday 6th September
Bukono 2-3 Budiope
Bugweri 2-1 Bunhole Bunhanhumba
Sunday 7th September
Bukooli Namyingo 3-0 Busiki
kigulu 2-0 Butembe
The Busoga Masaza Cup second round produced drama and shifting fortunes over the weekend, with Budiope and Kigulu emerging as the biggest winners in fixtures played across Namutumba, Iganga and Namayingo.
On Saturday, 6th September, Budiope reignited their qualification hopes with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bukono at Ivukula Sub-county headquarters in Namutumba. The three away points lifted Budiope to six, though they remain third in Mawembe Group behind leaders Bugweri and second-placed Bukono.
Bugweri extended their dominance at the summit after overcoming Bunhole Bunhanhumba 2-1, moving to 10 points, the highest tally across all four groups. Bunhole Bunhanhumba, on the other hand, are now out of contention, even if they win their remaining two matches.
This leaves the battle for the group’s two quarterfinal slots firmly between Bugweri, Bukono and Budiope. Budiope must win their remaining fixtures against Bunhole Bunhanhumba on Sunday, 14th September, and group leaders Bugweri on Sunday, 21st September. Anything less than victory in their next game will spell elimination. Bukono, meanwhile, will also face Bugweri next weekend in a match that could shape their fate.
On Sunday, 7th September, action shifted to the Nendha Group where Kigulu beat Butembe 2-0, thanks to goals from Sizomu Benjamin and Awor Armstrong. The win moved Kigulu to the top of the group with eight points from four matches.
In Namayingo, Bukooli Namayingo brushed aside Busiki 3-0, climbing to second place on six points, just one ahead of Busiki, who slipped to third. Butembe sit bottom with two points but still cling to slim qualification hopes.
With two group games remaining, Nendha Group remains wide open. A maximum of six points is still available for each side, meaning all four teams can mathematically qualify for the quarterfinals. Kigulu are close but not yet assured of a last-eight spot, while Butembe must win their remaining home ties against Bukooli Namayingo on Friday, 12th September, and Busiki on Saturday, 20th September to stand a chance.
Bukooli Namayingo will also be looking for at least a point at Gonzaga Gonza Kagoma to strengthen their push, while Busiki need to respond against Kigulu at Kisiki College after sliding down the standings.
Elsewhere, action continues midweek with Bugabula hosting Bukooli Bugiri on Wednesday at Kamuli Municipal Stadium and Buzaya taking on Bunha on Thursday at Lwanyana Primary School.
