Masaza Cup 2025: Buweekula Eaten Alive at Home as the Bakunja Take First-Leg Advantage
By: Lawrence Mubiru
Kyagwe made a major stride toward this year’s Masaza Cup final after edging Buwekula 1–0 in a tightly contested first-leg semi-final played on Sunday at Mubende playground.
A second-half strike from Solomon Senyonga was enough to separate the two sides in a game that lived up to its billing, with intensity, passion, and drama both on and off the pitch. The victory gives Kyagwe a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in Mukono next weekend.
Kyagwe Fans Light Up Mubende
Before kickoff, Kyagwe’s loyal supporters made their presence felt in Mubende town, marching in colorful processions that set the tone for an electric atmosphere. The noise and energy from the stands seemed to inspire the visitors, who looked more composed throughout the contest.
When Senyonga’s goal hit the back of the net, the traveling fans erupted in celebration, outsinging the home crowd and waving their blue-and-white flags in delight.
Buwekula’s Camp Remains Defiant
Despite the setback, Buwekula’s main funder, Deo Masembe Mugyenyi, remained upbeat about their qualification chances. He called upon fans and local leaders to rally behind the team as they prepare for the second leg.
“I thank those who have stood with us in the past, and I call upon them not to stop supporting us because we need their backing more than ever in our remaining fixtures,” Masembe said.
He added with confidence:
“Kyagwe have incited us into supporting harder. Let’s give them a bloody nose on Sunday as we sail to the finals despite today’s loss.”
Kyagwe’s Chief Delighted
Kyagwe’s Omwami (chief), Ssekiboobo Matovu Vincent Bintubizibu, could not hide his excitement after the hard-earned victory, jokingly linking the win to their team’s financial commitment to the fixture.
“We brought money to Buwekula and in return, we were given a win,” he said with a laugh. “I thank both teams for the good football display. Now we go back to prepare for the finals on November 1st at Nakivubo Stadium.”
Rivalry Rekindled
The clash between Kyagwe and Buwekula remains one of the fiercest rivalries in the Masaza Cup. The two sides also met four times last season — twice in the group stages and twice in the semi-finals — with Kyagwe emerging victorious on that occasion as well.
With the return leg set for next Sunday in Mukono, Buwekula will need nothing short of a perfect performance to overturn the deficit and keep their title hopes alive.
Elsewhere: Singo Take Control
In the other semi-final, Singo came from behind to beat Bugerere 2–1 in Ntenjeru. The hosts took an early lead, but Singo leveled before halftime and sealed the comeback with a second-half strike.
Bugerere now face a daunting task as they head to Singo for the second leg, hoping to revive their dream of reaching the 2025 Masaza Cup final.