MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 0-1 SC VILLA

BUL FC battled hard but it was the ten-man SC Villa who took the three points in a slim 1-0 victory at FUFA Technical Centre on Friday.

David Owori’s first half goal was the difference in the end despite the Eastern Giants dominance which saw them enjoy a flurry of chances. As fate would have it, the Eastern Giants also missed a penalty and equally failed to make numerical advantage count after SC Villa’s Gavin Mugweri Kizito was sent off in the second half.

BUL aimed to show an early dominance and throughout an edgy few opening minutes raced forward with goalkeeper Jeans Braddy Wokorach called into action seven minutes into the game to deny Alex Kitata.

Lawrence Tezikya came close to putting the Eastern Giants ahead just after the ten minutes mark when he robbed Joseph Kafumbe of the ball before making a swift turn into the box but his efforts slightly sailed over the bar.

Two minutes later, the fleet footed winger turned provider, this time threading up Kitata whose strike missed target from close range.

By this time, the BUL crowd conspicuously thought a goal would arrive soon as they had created enough but a miss communication between Hillary Onek who in this game was playing at center back and goalkeeper Tom Ikara almost cost the team on the 14th minute.

A long pass into the box by SC Villa incited Ikara to come out but failed to get his glove on the ball, allowing the Jogoos to have a shot which was blocked. The pieces fell to Ronald Ssekiganda whose effort was claimed by a retreating Ikara to restore calm.

Right back Hillary Onek played in central defense

Despite that warning bell, BUL remained on the front foot and so the chances kept on coming in plenty.

Jerome Kirya and Lawrence Tezikya made sure the visitors defense were alert, with the two linking up and the Eastern Giants number 11 getting his shot away but it was parried by Wokorach into the path of Kitata whose diving header looped far and wide.

BUL came close again on the 37th minute as Kitata remained a goal threat. Amos Kirya picked his spot at the far left following a Tezikya delivery into box and headed back across the goal with the goalkeeper hapless but the forward missed a contact on the ball.

Against the run of play, SC Villa struck first, six minutes to half time. David Owori met a pin pointing pass from Hakim Kiwanuka and swept home with a low drive to put the visitors in the lead.

Ronald Ssekiganda nearly made it 2-0 up for SC Villa after the break, however, his shot flashed out on 49 minutes.

Ibrahim Kazindula almost found the equalizer for BUL two minutes later but his hard shot from range missed the target by inches to give the Jogoos a sigh of relief.

The Eastern Giants continued to ramp up the hunt for the leveler and not too long a time, SC Villa were reduced to ten men when defender Gavin Kizito Mugweri was sent off for a hand ball in the box in the 57th minute and the referee awarded BUL a penalty as a result.

The Jogoos caused chaos on the pitch in protest of the referee’s decision for about three minutes, and the kick from the penalty mark was only taken in the 60th minute by Ibrahim Kazindula but it was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.

With a numerical advantage for about 33 minutes, BUL threw everything at SC Villa after switching to a three man defense but a breakthrough was not to come as the Jogoos sat deep and compact to protect their narrow lead.

Ronald Otti missed a header before Ibrahim Orit also headed over the bar with four minutes left to play.

SC Villa then held firm in the closing stages to hold onto the 1-0 win, which meant a successive defeat for BUL at home following UPDF’s loss on Tuesday.

After 21 matches, the result has left BUL in the second place with 39 points, four behind table toppers Kitara.

The Eastern Giants will hit the ground again on Friday 29th March against leaders Kitara FC in Hoima.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 81’), Emmanuel Obua, Ronald Otti, Hillary Onek, George Kasonko (Reagan Kalyowa 53’), Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Orit 81’), Lawrence Tezikya, Amos Kirya (Martin Aprem 68’), Alex Kitata.

Unused substitutes:

Joel Mutakubwa, John Okurut, Joel  Madondo.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC Vs SC VILLA

Friday 15th March 2024

Uganda premier league

FUFA Technical Centre

BUL FC Vs SC Villa

Kick-off: 4pm

BUL FC return to action to host Uganda premier league record champions SC Villa at FUFA technical centre on Friday in a 4pm kick off.

The match is the second for BUL in a space of just three days; it was scheduled to be played on Wednesday 28th February but it was postponed on the request of the visitors.

Nevertheless, the Eastern Giants will be looking to get back to winning ways at FUFA technical centre, after Tuesday’s narrow defeat to relegation threatened UPDF FC which stretched their winless run to three in the league.

Despite the apparent short comings, BUL is still second in the table with 39 points, one behind pace setters Kitara after 20 matches.

BUL won the reverse fixture 2-1 way back in October last year and this beams all the hope and encouragement needed by the team to fashion a double over the Jogoos come Friday.

But they are up against a side that is unbeaten on the road, and pushing for the title, and will be looking to show how much they have improved since the sides met last in October.

With two games in hand, SC Villa sits 5th in the rankings with 33 points got from 18 outings.

Friday’s meeting is set to be the 31st clash between the two teams.

Team News

Benon Tahomera was red carded against UPDF, so he will miss this one due to suspension. The game has also come too soon for Douglas Muganga who is still under rehabilitation because of an injury. The rest of the players are available and only waiting for the kick off whistle to unleash their power.

Coach’s remarks

“We didn’t play well against UPDF and we lost. I expect my players to give 100% in tomorrow’s game and I am very sure that we shall fight hard to see that we get the three points off SC Villa,” coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said on Thursday.

“It is going to be a tense game but since we lost the last time out, we are not going to allow losing a second game at home.”

“We shall fight to see that we get the three points tomorrow.”

Midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula said;

“We lost our last game here but the good thing is we have corrected our mistakes. The mood in the camp is good and we are hoping to win tomorrow as we used to do. We are not going to disappoint this time.”

Head to Head

P30 W11 D9 L10

From the 30 matches across all competitions, this fixture has produced eleven (11) wins for BUL, ten for SC Villa and nine draws.

Last four meetings

March 11, 2023 (UG Cup Replay)

BUL FC 1-0 SC Villa

March 21, 2023

SC Villa 1-0 BUL FC

August 14, 2023            

FT: BUL FC 1(6) – 1(5) SC Villa (Super 8 semifinal)

October 24, 2023

FT: SC Villa 1-2 BUL FC

Match facts

  • BUL FC have won six games, drawn two and lost one in their nine home league matches this season, scored twelve (12) goals and conceded five in the process with 20 points collected from a possible 27.
  • During the run, the Eastern Giants have failed to score in only one game at home (against UPDF) and managed four clean sheets, against – Bright Stars, KCCA FC, Maroons and URA FC.
  • The 2-1 victory over Bright Stars in February remains the only league win for BUL in their past seven Uganda premier league outings.
  • Altogether this campaign, BUL have lost just three games in the league – twice against UPDF (2-0, 1-0), and Gaddafi FC (2-1).
  • Abbey Kikomeko’s men lost the first home game on Tuesday against UPDF but have never lost two consecutive matches this season.
  • They are also unbeaten in the previous five home league games against SC Villa, as they have won three and drawn two in the process.
  • BUL’s last home defeat by SC Villa occurred in mid-November 2017 when the Jogoos won 1-0 courtesy of Martin Kizza’s goal.
  • Out of the past 12 league meetings between the sides, BUL have won seven, drawn four times and lost once – the 1-0 defeat at Akibua stadium last season in Lira.
  • 51 goals have been scored in this fixture since 2011 and the Eastern Giants have a share of 25.
  • Since losing 2-1 to KCCA at Wankulukuku in December, SC Villa are unbeaten in their previous six matches, they have won four and drawn two, and kept four clean sheets across the matches.
  • The Jogoos have failed to score in only two away matches this term, against Mbarara City and URA FC.
  • They remain one of the only few teams yet to be defeated away from home but they have drawn six times and managed only two wins in their eight games on the road.
  • As a result, they have gathered only 12 points from a possible 24, scored seven goals and conceded five on the road.

Match Coverage

The game will be live on television but you can also follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report and match highlights.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 0-1 UPDF FC

The Eastern Giants suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to UPDF on a disappointing Tuesday evening at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Hussein Hassan Zinda’s 73rd minute strike settled the game in the visitor’s favor, as well as halting the 11 game unbeaten run at home for BUL who still count only one win in their previous seven league games.

The result means the Eastern Giants have missed the opportunity to return to the top of the tree as they remained second with 39 points from 20 rounds.

Shortly after losing ground in the game, things went further south for BUL as substitute Gerald Ogweti was sent off following an off the ball clash with Samson Kasozi in the 77th minute, nearly five minutes after coming on for Ibrahim Orit.

But UPDF were also shown a red before the end of the game as Christopher Kamagu was deservedly sent off inside the six minutes of additional time after clashing with Benon Tahomera.

BUL began the game brightly and could have had the lead in the opening minutes of the game.

In the second minute, Hillary Onek’s cross found Ibrahim Orit in the box, but the midfielder couldn’t direct his header to the target.

Five minutes later, Alex Kitata tested Richard Anyama with a shot from close range but the UPDF goal keeper got down well to claim the ball.

Another tempting cross from the left was delivered into the box by Nicholas Mwere; however, there was no yellow shirt to connect with the effort.

The Army side’s first chance came in the tenth minute and Davis Ssekajja should have put UPDF ahead when he was gifted with possession inside the area with only Tom Ikara to beat, but the goalkeeper somehow punched his effort into the corner.

After the restart, BUL came close to finding the elusive goal. Hillary Onek whipped a cross into the box with Lawrence Tezikya flicking into the path of Kitata whose shot was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper in the 55th minute.

Kitata also saw his header glance wide off an Ibrahim Mugulusi delivery from a free kick before Rashid Faridi nearly broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 66th minute.

UPDF finally found the breakthrough in the 73rd minute when a long free kick was lofted into the box; it was initially cleared by Ronald Otti but not far. The ball was then sent back into the area, with the effort bouncing past Ikara and into the net, and the strike proved to be the match winner for the army team.

BUL committed more bodies infront as they looked for a way back into the game but it was not to be for the Eastern Giants, as they failed to beat UPDF’s defense in the closing stages of the game.

The Eastern Giants will next be in action this Friday against SC Villa at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere (Benon Tahomera 57’), Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Lawrence Tezikya 54’), Ibrahim Orit (Gerald Ogweti 72’), Alex Kitata, Martin Aprem (Ibrahim Mugulusi 54’), Amos Kirya (Reagan Kalyowa 72’).

Unused substitutes:

Joel Mutakubwa, Mathew Odongo Tayo, Pascal Ngobi, Ibrahim Kazindula.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC Vs UPDF FC

Tuesday 12th March 2024

Uganda Premier League

FUFA Technical Centre

BUL FC Vs UPDF FC

Kick-off: 4pm.

BUL FC welcomes UPDF to the FUFA Technical Centre on Tuesday evening in the Uganda premier league with Abbey Kikomeko’s men looking to craft a way back to winning ways after going two league games without victory.

With only one game taking place on the day, The Eastern Giants can leapfrog Kitara into the first place on the table with victory.

Despite the recent slump in form, BUL are by large enjoying a fine campaign and still dominating the title discussions, as they are currently occupying the second slot on the table with 39 points following Friday’s hard fought 1-1 draw with URA at Mehta stadium.

The visitors recently won 2-0 against Busoga United after 12 catastrophic outings without a win but still very much in the relegation turmoil. As a result of three wins and four draws in 20 matches this campaign, they have collected 13 points, five off the last safety place.

Bombo military grounds hosted the reverse fixture which they won 2-0 courtesy of strikes from Benard Muwanga and Sam Kintu in November.

This is going to be the 14th meeting between the two teams.

About the game, midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula said “After losing to UPDF in December, we composed ourselves and here we are, second in the table and well equipped to protect our unbeaten home record and also pocket all the three points. Players are just in the best conditions and excited to play this match. We can’t wait to return to winning ways tomorrow.”

Head to Head

P13 W6 D2 L5

Thirteen matches have been played between these teams, producing six wins for BUL, five for UPDF and two draws since 2015.

Previous four encounters

March 01, 2022

BUL 5-1 UPDF FC

October 8, 2022

BUL FC 3-1 UPDF FC

February 21, 2023

UPDF 1-1 BUL FC

November 9, 2023

UPDF FC 2-0 BUL FC

Match Facts

  • BUL FC have won six games and drawn two in their past eight home league matches, scored twelve (12) goals and conceded four in the process with 20 points picked from a possible 24.
  • This season, the Eastern Giants have scored in each and every game at home and managed four clean sheets, against – Bright Stars, KCCA FC, Maroons and URA FC.
  • It is six home wins and five draws for BUL, translating into an 11 game unbeaten run at home – stretching back to late April last year with the last loss for the Eastern Giants at FUFA Technical Centre coming in the 2-1 defeat at Express in the morning of that very month.
  • They are also unbeaten in the past five league matches although they can present only one win from the run – the 2-1 victory over Bright Stars in February.
  • In the eight games at home, Abbey Kikomeko’s men have gone behind on one occasion only. Rashid Okocha forced NEC into the lead on the stroke of halftime in the match played in December last year but Samuel Ssekamatte equalized for BUL late in the game.
  • Only four clubs – Kitara, NEC, Mbarara City and Bright Stars have managed to bleach BUL’s defense at the FTC.
  • The Eastern Giants have won three matches and drawn two in the last six meetings with UPDF, with 14 goals scored and nine conceded during the same run.
  • In the previous six games as hosts, BUL have won five games against UPDF – with the immediate last four victories coming in succession.
  • They have also scored at least three goals in the last three home games against the army side, averaging four goals per game.
  • This fixture has produced a winner in eleven (11) of their past thirteen (13) meetings, and 40 goals have been scored across the games, with BUL FC having a lion’s share of 23.
  • The two stalemates in this fixture ended 1-1; and in both, BUL scored first. Musa Esenu’s goal in the 12th minute was cancelled out by Ivan Ahimbisibwe for UPDF in December 2021 while Frank Yiga equalized for the army side after Hillary Onek had put BUL ahead last season in February 2023.
  • This campaign, the visitors have won three games, drawn four and lost a whooping 13 to pick 13 points from 20 matches.
  • All the three wins were against teams from Jinja City and came with clean sheets – they defeated Busoga United home and away and in between the success, they beat BUL in Bombo. All were 2-0 victories.
  • UPDF is unbeaten in their last two games against BUL but both ties were held in Bombo.
  • It is now eight (8) years since their last away win (1-0) over BUL and this occurred in September 2016.
  • After going 12 games without victory, UPDF shook off their ugly shells to win 2-0 at Busoga United the last time out.
  • They have also scored in each of their last three games.

Match Coverage:

Sanyuka Prime will beam the game live from the Njeru fortress. Our social media channels will also relay minute to minute text commentary during play time. A match report and highlights will follow shortly.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH REPORT: URA FC 1-1 BUL FC

The points were shared at Mehta stadium as BUL FC drew 1-1 with URA on Friday.

Norman Namanya dragged the hosts into the lead as early as the first minute. Following an over the top ball into the backline, Namanya benefited from a defensive lapse to fire a rocket from distance after spotting goalkeeper Tom Ikara miles off his line.

Mid-way the first half, Amos Kirya equalized for the Eastern Giants, scoring his first goal in BUL FC colors, in the 21st minute from inside the area off a tempting Nicholas Mwere delivery that goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa failed to deal with.

The draw keeps BUL, who have a game in hand, in the second place after 19 matches with 39 points, one behind current leaders Kitara.

Amos Kirya scored his first goal at BUL FC

BUL was presented with an opportunity to take charge of the affairs after the interval but Pascal Ngobi was denied by Omedwa before James Begisa shot wide for the Tax Collectors ten minutes into the second half.

Despite a much improved display in the second stanza, the Eastern Giants were not allowed a second, meaning that the game finished 1-1 in Lugazi. BUL will now return to FUFA technical centre to prepare for the match against UPDF on Tuesday next week.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Pascal Ngobi (Jerome Kirya 65’), Ibrahim Orit (Lawrence Tezikya 65’), Martin Aprem (Reagan Kalyowa 85’), Joel Madondo (Ibrahim Mugulusi 83’), Amos Kirya (Gerald Ogweti 65’).

Unused substitutes:

Joel Mutakubwa, Ibrahim Kazindula, Emmanuel Obua, Mathew Odongo Tayo, Benon Tahomera.

MATCH PREVIEW: URA VS BUL FC

Friday 8th March 2024

Uganda Premier League

URA FC Vs BUL FC

Mehta Stadium

Kick-off: 4pm.

BUL FC are back on the road on Friday with a trip to Mehta grounds to face URA in the Uganda premier league with Abbey Kikomeko’s men looking to reclaim their top spot.

The match against SC Villa was postponed last month and this allowed Kitara to grab the summit with a narrow victory over Wakiso Giants but the Eastern Giants remain in an excellent position in the league table with 38 points, just one behind the Royals.

However, they now have to beat a URA side that is still unbeaten at home to stand a chance of an immediate return to the top.

In fact, the Tax Collectors have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes of late, which has culminated into eye-catching showings since David Obua took over the reigns at the club.

As a result, a 7th place on the log has been attained after posting eight wins, six draws and five defeats which have yielded 30 points after 19 matches.

BUL won the reverse fixture 1-0 at FUFA technical centre in October last year and go into the game on the back of a 4-1 shootout success against Express in Uganda Cup.

Progression to the quarter finals of the Uganda Cup has definitely lifted everybody ahead of the crucial tie, while the Tax Collectors suffered a 1-0 defeat at KCCA the last time out, as they exited the competition.

Friday’s clash will be the 26th league meeting between the teams since 2011.

Team News

 Head coach Abbey Kikomeko has confirmed that he has almost a fully fit squad to choose from for the game with only Douglas Muganga and Alex Kitata on the sidelines due to injury and malaria.

Reagan Kalyowa who has missed a couple of games has returned to full fitness.

Coach’s opinion about the game

“We defeated them 1-0 in the first round and it wasn’t an easy game at FUFA technical centre. Now we head to Lugazi and I expect a tough encounter from them,” Abbey Kikomeko said.

“They play some good football but we almost have the same style of play and I think the luckiest team will take the day.”

“Although we are playing at their backyard, we shall put in all the efforts we can to win all the three points.”

“We have drawn our last two games on the road, against KCCA and Maroons. This doesn’t mean that we shall draw even this one, we don’t want to share points, we need to win and return to the top because Kitara is apparently leading us by just a point.”

“We have prepared the boys very well and even made it clear that we don’t want anything short of three points from this game.”

Pascal Ngobi said;

“We know what is needed to return to the top. We didn’t get the maximum points we wanted against Maroons but it is always good to recharge yourself and come back in a fresh mood.”

“The boys have really recharged, the spirit is high and everyone is yearning for maximum points because it not good to win the first half of the season and then give up on the second round. So, the boys are going to push it harder and get all the three points.”

Head to Head

P25 W4 D10 L11

Twenty five (25) matches have been played between the sides in the league since November 2011, with the duels ending in four BUL FC wins, 11 URA victories and ten draws

Last four meetings

April 04, 2022

BUL FC 2-0 URA FC

October 14, 2022

URA 1-1 BUL FC

March 04, 2023

BUL FC 0-1 URA FC

October 31, 2023

BUL FC 1-0 URA FC

Match Facts

  • BUL FC have won five away games, drawn three and lost two to register 18 points from a possible 30, the best away record in the division this season.
  • They have also scored 13 goals and conceded nine in the process.
  • The Eastern Giants are also unbeaten in their past four league games; they drew against Mbarara City, KCCA and Maroons, and won 2-1 against Bright Stars.
  • But they have not won in their previous three away league matches, lost 2-1 to Gaddafi FC and then drew 0-0 at KCCA and Maroons.
  • From the past five meetings between the sides, the Eastern Giants have lost only one to URA, the 1-0 home loss in March last year.
  • BUL’s four wins off URA arrived with clean sheets, the identical 1-0 scores in April of 2016, February 2018 and October 2023, and the 2-0 victory in April 2022.
  • Of the ten stalemates in this fixture, six were one all draws, two were goalless; while the other two were two all stalemates.
  • BUL FC has not won in any of their 11 UPL visits to URA since 2012, with David Obua’s men winning five and drawing six of the ties but the Eastern Giants are unbeaten in their last two trips where they drew 2-2 and 1-1 in mid-November 2021 and mid October 2022 respectively.
  • But URA is the most in-form home team in the Uganda premier league this term after picking 23 points from a possible 27. This has been as a result of seven (7) wins and two draws at the Mehta stadium where the Tax Collectors have scored 17 goals and conceded just 4.
  • The two draws came against Kitara (2-2) in November last year and SC Villa (0-0) in January 2024.
  • The tax collectors are unbeaten in 11 league games at home, stretching back to May last year.
  • They have kept four clean sheets in their past four league games at Mehta stadium – against Mbarara City, SC Villa, UPDF and Maroons, scoring six goals across the matches.
  • URA have lost only two games in their past six outings in all competitions, and that was against Wakiso Giants (1-0) and KCCA FC (1-0) in the Uganda Cup.

Match Coverage:

The showdown will be live on Sanyuka prime. Meanwhile you can also follow the action through our social media channels below with full text coverage during the game followed by a match report and highlights.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: Bulfc1

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 1(4)-1(1) EXPRESS FC

BUL FC are into the quarter finals of the 2023/2024 Stanbic Uganda Cup after a last 16 penalty shootout win over ten time winners Express, with substitute goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa saving one and then scoring the decisive spot kick following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Lawrence Tezikya, Benon Tahomera and Ibrahim Kazindula also converted in the 4-1 victory for BUL on Sunday. The Red Eagles only managed to convert through John Asimwe.

With nearly one minute of the additional minutes left on the clock, Joel Mutakubwa was purposely thrown into the fray at FUFA technical centre, replacing his compatriot Tom Ikara between the uprights.

In full view of the Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put; Mutakubwa was up for the job as he reminded the world of his expertise at saving spot kicks by comfortably denying Marvin Oshaba.

He also made himself too big in goal to force Isa Lumu to sky his kick before he showed them how it is done by dunking beyond Abdul Kimera to activate party moods in Njeru.

Chances were however few and hard to come by as either side failed to find the back of the net before the 85 minute mark.

It was the Eastern Giants who consistently looked most likely to score in the first half, but a solid defensive display from the visitors kept the game barren at the break.

Abdul Kimera came to Express’ rescue to keep out Lawrence Tezikya’s rocket in the 27th minute, and picked his spot well to deny Walter Ochora twelve minutes later.

On the stroke of halftime, Benon Tahomera leapt highest and nodded in off a Jerome Kirya free kick after George Kasonko was fouled at the edge of the box by Kevin Ssekimbega but the goal was cancelled for offside.

The visitors did not have a shot on target until the 52nd minute when Dawson Mafumu made a sole significant run from his defense that forced goalkeeper Tom Ikara to float in the air quickly and glove his hard delivery into a corner. Ikara made another fine stop slightly above the 70th minute when he tipped John Asimwe’s strong close range header over the bar to keep the Eastern Giants in the game.

At this moment, both sides looked not to fancy shootouts as the hunt for a winner was conspicuously visible given the aggressive approach from either side.

BUL drew the first blood when substitute Ibrahim Mugulusi scored in the 86th minute to throw FUFA technical centre into frenzy but the celebrations were short-lived as Edgar Katumba pounced in the equalizer with one minute left to play following a corner situation, forcing the clash to be settled through kicks from the penalty mark.

Abbey Kikomeko and his men now turn the attention to the Uganda premier league with the visit to URA FC coming on Friday next week.

Ibrahim Mugulusi

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK)(Joel Mutakubwa 90+2’), Walter Ochora, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Benon Tahomera, George Kasonko (Ibrahim Kazindula 90+2’), Pascal  Ngobi, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Mugulusi 45’),  Martin Aprem (Ibrahim Orit  85’), Joel Madondo (Gerald Ogweti 66’), Lawrence Tezikya.

Unused substitutes:

Amos Kirya, Emmanuel Obua, Shafik Kwikiriza, Richard Okello.

MATCH PREVIEW; BUL FC VS EXPRESS FC

Sunday 3rd March 2024

Stanbic Uganda Cup

BUL FC Vs Express

FUFA Technical Centre

Kick-off: 4pm.

Alex Kitata in action

BUL FC return to the Uganda Cup action at FUFA technical centre in Njeru on Sunday evening when we host ten time winners Express FC in a round of 16 showdown. It is the first home fixture for the Eastern Giants in this competition this term.

While BUL were held to a 0-0 draw by Maroons in the Uganda premier league the last time out, Alex Isabirye’s troops rejoiced in a 3-1 beating of UPDF on Friday.

The Eastern Giants will however put the stalemate behind them, and head into this Uganda Cup fixture with hopes of making it to the quarter finals, having made it here by knocking Simba (3-0) and Kyambura Rastas (1-0) out in the previous rounds.

Express made it to the last 16 after defeating MYDA 1-0 in the round of 64. Their clash at the round of 32 might have ended 1-1 against Rwenzori Lions, but they did get the job done when it mattered most, winning 8-7 on penalties.

The teams have already thrown jabs against each other this season, albeit in the UPL, with the sides drawing 1-1 in November last year at Wankulukuku where BUL had to die a little to earn a point after two defenders – Banon Tahomera and Walter Ochora were sent off in the second half of the contest.

They equally shared the previous two meetings in Uganda Cup. The first face off was in March 2019 and The Red Eagles won 1-0 in the semi final bout at Wankulukuku before the Eastern Giants revenged in 2021 at the same stage of the competition, with the same score at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on course to reaching the first cup final.

Team News

Coach Abby confirmed he will not have Reagan Kalyowa and Douglas Muganga who are out due to injury while Hillary Onek will miss due to accumulated yellow cards.

Express is a top flight team and I believe it will be hard game but we are going to fight tooth and nail to win the game and we storm quarter final. 

We are playing our former coach who won stanbic Uganda cup with BUL but right now its me at BUL and I also want to win this same trophy with this team, says Coach Abby

 

BUL TO FACE EXPRESS IN UGANDA CUP ROUND OF 16

BUL football club will play host to Express FC in the round of 16 of the 2023/24 Stanbic Uganda Cup. The fixture was revealed in a draw held at the FUFA complex in Mengo on Monday, and will be played between 1st and 7th of March at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.

We reached the last 16 with a 3-0 thrashing of Simba FC in the round of 64 before a hard fought 1-0 win in the round of 32 at Kyambura Rastas a week ago.

Our opponents won 1-0 at MYDA in the round of 64 but needed kicks from the penalty mark to beat Rwenzori Lions 8-7 on penalties following a one all draw in regulation time.

It will be the third time the teams are facing each other in this competition since 2019. The Red Eagles capitalized on a Brian Omony strike to win a semifinal battle 1-0 at Wankulukuku in March 2019 but BUL repaid them in the same currency, at the same stage two years later as the Eastern Giants also ran 1-0 victors courtesy of Owen Mukisa’s goal to reach our first ever Uganda cup final.

The exact date and time for this clash will be communicated in the process.

MATCH REPORT: MAROONS 0-0 BUL FC

BUL FC drew 0-0 with Maroons in Friday’s Uganda premier league clash at Luzira play grounds. The result saw us move to 38 points after 18 games.

It was a game that went back and forth with both sides enjoying spells on top, although neither could pile enough pressure to scratch a breakthrough goal.
The game was not notable for many chances as there was almost nothing to shout about in the opening thirty five minutes.

It took until around 37 minutes for the first chance of the game to arrive, and the hosts should have registered at least a shot on target when Abraham Tusubira Kakensa went behind our defense.

Despite having acres of space available for him to work through, the forward agonizingly chose to shoot wide from the edge of the box before Lawrence Tezikya thrashed his free kick into the hands of Hannington Ssebwalunyo five minutes to the break.

After the interval, BUL began the second half the quicker side as they committed more bodies in the opposition half following the introduction of new signing Ibrahim Orit.

They began to play with purpose and precision, and nearly broke the deadlock.

A flicked searching header found an advancing Pascal Ngobi but the goalkeeper produced an excellent save to deny the midfielder.

While the Eastern Giants were on top, Abbey Kikomeko’s men somehow struggled to create many chances although a few efforts were snuffed out by Maroons defenders.

On the hour mark, Ronald Otti thought he had given BUL the lead when he swerved in a hard one from inside the box but the goal was cancelled out by the referee citing a hand ball in the build up. Martin Aprem and George Kasonko’s efforts had initially been poorly cleared following a dangerous delivery by Hillary Onek from the right channel.

BUL went close again ten minutes later just that they could not beat Ssebwalunyo in Maroons goal. Substitute Orit took it on himself and split the midfield with a crafty move before playing into space for Onek to chase, however, the latter’s inviting cross was gloved away by the outstanding net minder.

As the game entered its evening stage, the hosts tried to come out of their shells but also failed to utilize their occasional raids thus the two teams settling for a point each.

The Eastern Giants will immediately begin preparations for next week’s encounter against SC Villa at FUFA technical center.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Hillary Onek, Emmanuel Obua, Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, Pascal Ngobi, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Mugulusi 74’), Lawrence Tezikya (Joel Madondo 90+1’), Martin Aprem (Shafiq Kwikiriza 74’), Gerald Ogweti (Ibrahim Orit 45’).

Unused substitutes:

Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Ibrahim Kazindula, Mathew Odongo Tayo, Benon Tahomera, Amos Kirya.