By Magumba Ali/ Zaki Hassan Ssendijja
Wakiso Giants striker Hudson Mbalire scored as Buddu drew 1-1 against Kyaddondo in the 2024 Masaza Cup semifinals
In the second leg semifinal game on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Masaka’s Kitovu Sports Arena, Mbalire came off the bench to force a draw and secure Buddu’s spot in this year’s final.
Starting on the bench, Mbalire entered in the 68th minute with Buddu trailing 1-0. Kyaddondo pushed for a second goal to force penalties, but Mbalire’s 87th-minute equalizer, a powerful header, sent the fans wild and sealed Buddu’s 4-2 aggregate lead.
Speaking to Wakiso Giants media, the striker credited coach Steven Bengo for instilling game understanding in him for the time he has spent at the club so far.
“When you start on the bench, you must read the game to understand your opponents. When given the chance to play, you should know exactly what to do, as I did in the Kyaddondo game, thanks to coach Steven Bengo’s guidance at Wakiso Giants,” Mbalire said.
“The team was under pressure as Kyaddondo pressed for a second goal to force penalties. When I came in, I had to help my team take control of the game by possessing it and then score the equalizer, which I did. I’m very happy to have contributed to the team’s journey to the final and look forward to doing the same in the final to lift the trophy.”
Mbalire will return to the club’s training on Monday morning at IUIU, Kabojja, to prepare for the league game this Thursday against Vipers SC at home. He awaits the 2024 Masaza Cup final on November 2, 2024, where Buddu will face Kyaggwe in Namboole.
The 19-year-old forward joined Wakiso Giants this summer on a three-year contract from Catda FC.
Mukwenda Mbalire handed over 5 millions to Buddu players and the package was received by team Captain Pius Ssebulime.
On the delivery Mukwenda stated, “I am sent by St Mary’s Mukoko to bring 5 millions, and. It is here.
There for invite all people in Buddu and well wishers all over the world to come and bring financial support, football is money. We need to empower our team to win the third title”
It was a moment where cooled Kyadondo who was on search for a goal which would have send them levelled on 3-3 aggregate.
Having lost 3-1 at home in the first round, Kyadondo found themselves in lead at Kitovu Arena through Ismail Keita Ndifuna just 10 minutes into the game.
Mostly Kyadondo slightly better in the game with Ndifuna, Joseph Kizza, and Faizo Kyazze playing it all with other players playing their roles.
All the efforts was shattered by Mbalire’s goal sent Buddu to a comfortable 4-2 aggregate lead after making the return leg ending 1-1.
The result confirmed the 6th final for Buddu having reached the stage in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Out of the past 6 finals Buddu has lost 4 twice to Ssingo in 2015 and 2018, Once to Gomba in 2020 and then to Busiro in 2022.
Meanwhile Kyaggwe reached their maiden final by eliminating Buwekula after a goalless draw played at Mubende National teacher’s college.
Kyaggwe won the first leg 2-1 at Mukono Bishops the result which they maintained throughout the return leg.
Their best performance has been semifinal in 2016 when they lost to Buddu and went on to lose the third place game to Busujju.
The 2024 Masaza cup final will be hosted at Mandela National Stadium Namboole on Saturday 2 November 2024.
