KAMULI – The 4th edition of the FUFA Drum, an inter-provincial tournament, continued on Sunday with two clashes featuring defending champions West Nile Province against giant killers Busoga Province, and Bunyoro Province facing off against rivals Tooro Province.
In the Group C encounter, Busoga triumphed over West Nile with a resounding 4-1 victory at the St. Joseph’s Vocational Centre—Kamuli, leaving the visitors falling short of their anticipated performance.
The event witnessed a massive turnout, graced by notable figures such as FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, FUFA 3rd Vice President, Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, FUFA delegates, and Excom members led by Ronnie Kalema and Kasiano Wadri.
West Nile took an early lead in the first minute through their typical forward, Shaban Muhammad, who skillfully headed home an inviting delivery by Rashid Okocha.
However, Busoga didn’t take long to respond, with Jeromy Kirya equalizing just 12 minutes later as he pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area.
Two minutes after the game restarted, Busoga province surged ahead as eventual Man of the Match, Isaac Wagoina, dodged defenders in the box, including Rashid Toha, to calmly place the ball above the goalkeeper, Rogers Omedwa.
In the 50th minute, Daniel Shabena made a precise pass to Laban Tibita from close range, enabling Tibita to score comfortably past the helpless custodian, Omedwa.
With just four minutes remaining, super substitute Ibrahim Mugulusi sealed Busoga’s victory with a ferocious strike from a distance, catching Omedwa off guard and sending the ecstatic crowd into raptures.
The victory propelled Busoga Province to the top of Group C with four points, while West Nile languished at the bottom of the three-team log, yet to secure a point. Bugisu Province held the second position with one point.
Isaac Wagoina was awarded the Man of the Match title, presented to him by FUFA President Magogo Moses Hassim.
Meanwhile, at Kigaaya Play Ground, Bunyoro Province’s quest for their first win in the 2023 edition continued as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Tooro province.
Henry Musisi netted the opening goal for Bunyoro after 16 minutes, but Tooro Province’s Patrick Musinguzi equalized with a brilliant 76th-minute strike, orchestrated by an exceptional interplay between Methodius Jungu and Norman Namanya.
Having previously lost to inaugural winners Buganda Province 1-0 at Kavumba recreation ground, Bunyoro secured one point from two outings, matching Tooro’s points tally, while Buganda remained on top with three points.
Henry Musisi’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
The FUFA Drum 2023 is sponsored by MTN Uganda, Nile Special, and Rock Boom.
https://thecooperator.news/27th-fufa-exco-key-decisions-to-push-local-football-forward-outlined/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
