By Joyce Namugambe
On Saturday, October 28th Bulemeezi county secured a 1-0 win over record champions Gomba to lift 2023 Airtel Masaza Cup title in a final held at Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku.
Bulemeezi secured this through forward Johnson Ssenyonga’s second-half goal that was the decisive moment which earned Bulemeezi their third title in history hence levelling Mawokota in second position on record.
The final was a riveting spectacle, providing a compelling narrative for both teams.
Bulemeezi came close to an early lead, with Ivan Kawooya unable to convert Herbert Asiimwe’s cross as Gomba’s defense was momentarily beaten.
Despite being record holders, Gomba struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, with Allan Oryiwoth failing to score despite being one-on-one with the keeper.
Returning for the second half, Bulemeezi showcased stronger attacks against Gomba’s defense.
With just 11 minutes after the hour mark, Johnson Ssenyonga’s spectacular strike from outside the box gave Bulemeezi the lead, leaving Gomba’s Joseph Lubega helpless.
Bulemeezi almost doubled their lead but Patrick Kagulire denied Johnson Ssenyonga’s shot by clearing it off the line.
Gomba’s search for an equalizer remained futile as Bulemeezi displayed unwavering determination to claim their third title.
Bulemeezi has now won three Masaza Cup titles.
In other results, Mawokota defeated Buddu 3-0 in the classification match, courtesy of Calvin Peter Emayu’s brace and Dennis Kkonde’s goal.
Bulemeezi takes home a prize of 12 million, while Gomba receives 9 million as cash prize money.
How both teams started
Bulemeezi: Abdul Bagenda(Gk), Peter Ssenkungu, Isaac Ssebunya, Manisul Angua, Abdulmalik, Amuru Munogera, George Masembe, Johnson Ssenyonga, Herbert Asiimwe, James Tekakwo, Ivan Kawooya.
Gomba: Joseph Lubega (Gk), Fahad Aniku, Shafiq Ssali, Herbert Onenarch, Patrick Ssekyanzi, Patrick Kagulire, Aaron Stuart Mutebi, Allan Oryiwoth, Paul Busolo, Lawrence Kambugu, Kenneth Kimera
Saturday, October 28th, 2023 Airtel Masaza Cup final fultime results
- 3rd place: Mawokota 3-0 Buddu
- Final: Bulemeezi 1-0 Gomba
Masaza Cup Finals and previous winners:
2004 – Gomba
2005 – Mawokota
2006 – Kooki
2007 – Mawokota
2008 – Kyaddondo 2-0 Gomba
2009 – Gomba 1-1 Mawogola [5-4 pen]
2010 – not held
2011- Buluuli 2-1 Bulemeezi
2012 – Bulemeezi 1-0 Buweekula
2013 – Mawokota 1-0 Ssingo
2014 – Gomba 0-0 Ssingo [4-3 pen]
2015 – Ssingo 5-0 Buddu
2016 – Buddu 1-1 Gomba [6-5 pen]
2017 – Gomba 1-0 Ssingo
2018 – Ssingo 1-1 Buddu [12-11 pen]
2019 – Busiro 0-1 Bulemeezi
2020 – Gomba 3-1 Buddu
2021 – Buwekula 0-2 Buddu
2022 – Busiro 2-1 Buddu
2023 – Bulemeezi 1-0 Gomba
