Sports: Butambala Holds Defending Champions In Masaza Cup 2020 Edition Opener

Butambala Saza held defending champions, Bulemeezi to a one all draw in 2020 Masaza Cup opener on Saturday at FUFA Technical Centre Njeru.

The first stanza ended when Butambala is a goal up scored by   Sharif Nsereko capitalized on Musa Jagwe’s throw in, dribble into the area and shoot in the top left corner of the sticks to put Butambala into the lead.

Akram Muzanyi shortly in the 32nd minute missed a one on one against Bulemezi’s goalie Ibra Banalya when he placed the ball on the wood before Brian Mato missed a simple tap in off the wood in the last minute of the game.

Simon Mugerwa’s side bounced back stronger to dominate the entire second half and with 12 minutes to final whistle, the champion’s character flashed in when a substitute in Bernardo Kateregga squared the game with a simple tap in to rescue a point for Bulemeezi.

Bulemezi is the reigning champion having won 1-0 against Busiro in the final at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Emmanuel Loki scored the only goal in the game.

The opener that had no fans due to COVID-19 pandemic was graced by His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

Day two which is tomorrow, Sunday 13th December, will embrace one fixture from the same group (Butikkiro) when the 2018 winners  Ssingo will be taking on Buluuli at 4pm. 

Bulemezi XI

Ibra Banalya, Rogers Ssebyondya, Douglas Kizza, Sulaiman Ssesazi, Rashid Ssemwogerere, Dirisa Masembe, Ronald Kakooza, Gabriel Eragu, Simon Katumba, Akram Muzanyi, Masuudi Kafuumbe

Substitutes
Francis Kasumba, Tomas Kakaire, Benardo Kateregga

Butambala XI

Fahad Emuran, Athanas Mutaawe, Julius Bukenya, Brian Mayo, Abdul Kalanzi, Musa Jagwe, Moses Mutebi, Lwandasa Sabule, Patrick Nsamba, Sharif Nsereko, Livingstone Mbigo

Substitutes
Maurice Muwonge, Faluk Ssemukuutu, Farouk Luwagga, Ismail Maganda