51st Stanbic Uganda Cup (Round of 64)
Sunday, 12th January 2025 Results
- Garuga Stars 0-1 BUL
- Young Simba 0-4 Kitara
- Red Devo 0-1 Express
On paper, the Garuga Stars against BUL fixture at the round of 64 in the 51st Stanbic Uganda Cup looked a done deal for the latter.
But no, the situation at the Cherish playground where the duel was held was very different.
BUl puffed and huffed as they gritted their teeth to eliminate the fourth division club with a 1-0 goal, scored 18 minutes to full time.
First half substitute Ibrahim “The Tiger” Orit who had replaced a sickly Martin Aprem scored the all-important goal of the game on the sunny evening played at a relatively small playing ground.
Garuga Stars tested the visitors with left back Ismael Lubega’s early free-kick kissing the cross bar in the 21st minute.
The home team remained impressive with Juma Rovi Kizito, Ivan Mugisha, skipper Bonny Lutta and the pacy Joseph Enyabu posing all sorts of provocations and questions to the opposition.
Against the run of play, BUL would have taken the lead on three occasions in the opening stanza but goalkeeper Jack Kigozi rose to the moment where it mattered most,
First, Kigozi thwarted Jerome Kirya’s stab inside the goal area before saving a free header from Ibrahim Mugulusi and another by Mustafa Anwari Ntege.
The opening 45 minutes ended goal-less as the players left for the mandatory recess and an opportunity to get further tips from their coaches.
BUL returned an energized party and pressed with purpose to seek a break-through.
Dickson Matama had an effort kiss the wood-work from close range and Ntege nearly pressured the defenders into error.
The moment of truth for visitors arrived in the 72nd minute when substitute Isaac “Messi” Musiima’s defence splitter found Matama who shot at goalie Kigozi.
Kigozi saved the initial shot but the defenders had a 5-second nap before Orit pounced like his Tiger’s instincts for the goal well celebrated.
By this stage, the job had been well done as they defended in numbers to advance to the round of 32.
“We are happy for the progress. We sought an early goal that did not come. We came with a strategy and happy that we won the game” Abbey Bogere Kikomeko, BUL head coach remarked after the game.
Garuga Stars’ Anthony Arinaitwe believes BUL will die another day as they failed to convert our chances.
“This is a painful loss but that is the nature of football. We played well but our chances were not converted. Focus returns to our league” Arinaitwe stated.
BUL joins current Stanbic Uganda Cup holders Kitara, Express, Vipers, NEC and Pakwach Young Stars at the next round.
Kitara eliminated Buganda regional side Young Simba 4-0 at the Bombo Military Barracks stadium.
Midfielder Titus Ssematimba scored a brace with the other goals coming from George Ssenkaaba and winger Living Kabon.
Express secured the place at the round of 32 with a narrow 1-0 win over Red Devo at the Namasale Technical school ground.
Vipers eliminated Tepa 2-1, NEC bundled out UCU Mbale and Pakwach Young Stars ejected Kigezi Home Boyz 3-0.
More games for the round of 64 will be played on Tuesday, 14th January 2024.
The winner of the Stanbic Uganda Cup qualifies to represent the country at the CAF Confederation Cup.
Friday, 10th January 2025 Results:
- Tepa 1-2 Vipers
- UCU Mbale 0-4 NEC
- Pakwach Young Stars 3-0 Kigezi Homeboyz
Team Line Ups:
Garuga Stars XI: Jackson Kigozi (G.K), Edrine Bukenya, Ismael Lubega, Lukman Kalule, David Kakeeto, Bonny Lutta, Ivan Mugisha, Brian Tumusiime, Joseph Enyabu, Gift Tusasire, Rovin Juma Kizito
Subs: Mustafa Mwirusi (G.K), Baron Edwin Sango, Alidi Musangona, Fred Ssekamanya, David Ssekyanzi, Jessy Mukiibi
Head coach: Anthony Arinaitwe
BUL XI: John Okurut (G.K), Alfred Onek, Thomas Ochungo, Bakali Magumba, Fredrick Ngalo, George Kasonko (Captain), Ibrahim Mugulusi, Jerome Kirya, Martin Aprem, Richard Okello, Mustafa Anwari Ntege
Subs: Adrian Isabirye (G.K), Benon Tahomera, Amos Kirya, Pascal Ngobi, Swabura Mpasa, Isaac Wagoina, Isaac Musiime, Ibrahim Orit, Yafeesi Mubiru, Dickson Mataama
Head coach: Abbey Bogere Kikomeko
Center Referee: Solomon Jjumba
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