The Eastern Giants return to Uganda cup semi-final action on Wednesday May 18 as they welcome Booma to the Kyabazinga stadium for the second leg with kick-off set at 3PM prompt.
BUL FC starting line up against Booma in first leg
BUL FC is on the blink of marching to yet another final after seeing out the first leg 5-1 at Masindi stadium last week. Simon Peter Oketch, Richard Wandyaka, Ibrahim Kazindula and Karim Ndugwa combined to put last year’s finalists firmly in the driving seat, while Booma, who have punched above their weight in this edition got their consolation through Leonard Mujuwa.
Alex Isabirye’s side replicated that extra ordinary performance at the weekend with a demolition job against Police, and all their focus is now on sealing this competition’s final spot.
They are appearing in the Uganda cup semi final phase for the third time, the first being in 2015, and another coming almost six years later as they breezed to their inaugural final, while another final is possibly on the cards because of their huge 5-1 lead on aggregate advantage.
Top scorer Karim Ndugwa with 6 goals
Enroute to the semi finals, the Eastern Giants knocked out Busoga United, Bright Stars and SC Villa, and on the other hand, Booma defeated Nyamityobora, Kajjansi United, Tipsa and Maroons FC to reach this stage.
Whoever prevails with a superior aggregate win on Wednesday will set up a showdown against Vipers in Masindi.
Team News
BUL have a few number of fitness concerns to deal with ahead of the second leg, with long-term absentee Saidi Keni definitely out alongside Lawrence Kasadha who suffered a knee injury against KCCA, and they are joined in the treatment room by Richard Wandyaka.
Team manager Alex Isabirye and captain George Kasonko spoke to the club media ahead of the game, and both were full in confidence to get the job done
Team manager Alex Isabirye
We shall come out strong despite our 5-1 victory in the first leg. We are building a team with character and I need to see that character in tomorrow’s game because we need to win it and go to the final comfortably.
George Kasonko
We are set to give 100% as there is no weak team in the semi finals. We shall give all we can to win this game even if we have the first leg advantage.
How to follow the game
Our official communication channels will relay live updates of this encounter.
The Eastern Giants are back in the top four after a 5-2 win over Police.
Ibrahim Nsimbe scored two of our five goals in a simply unstoppable performance at Lugogo. Simon Peter Oketch could not miss the scoring party as well as Martin Aprem and Owen Mukisa. Frank Kalanda’s brace was all the Cops could afford and it was just not enough to rescue them from our hones.
BUL FC starting line up against Police
BUL took a 2-1 lead over Police into half time. The impressive start to the game by the Eastern Giants allowed Simon Peter Oketch to complete a great move with a fine finish to put BUL ahead with just 15 minutes played.
The hosts woke up from their haven and began to threaten BUL’s goal, and six minutes after the half hour mark, Frank Kalanda made the Eastern Giants pay for a Walter Ochora handball in the area when he equalised for his side from the spot.
But their renewed hope was dashed two minutes to the break as Ibrahim Nsimbe restored our lead on 43 minutes.
Hillary Onek in action
After the interval, Police hardly found away through nor could they keep their door shut.
Nsimbe completed his brace on the 79th minute and Aprem made it 4-1 with ten minutes left on the clock.
Police eventually grabbed their second goal with Kalanda again on the score sheet for them on the 85th minute but it was just a consolation.
Owen Mukisa closed the flood gates in the additional minutes after the regular time to make it 5-2 to cap off a brilliant all round performance from the Eastern Giants.
The victory was massive in terms of margin and significance. Alex Isabirye’s side moved back to the fourth place on the table with 49 points, same as Arua Hill but with a superior goal difference, with one game left to end the season.
BUL FC players celebrating Owen Mukisa goal
The second leg of our Uganda cup semi final match with Booma FC comes up next week before our final Uganda premier league match with SC Villa follows up later on May 21 at Kyabazinga stadium.
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga, Aggrey Madoi ( Reagan Kalyowa 46′), Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya (Allan Kiggundu 84′), Simon Peter Oketch(Ibrahim Kazindula 84′)Martin Aprem (Ibrahim Mugulusi 84′),Hillary Onek, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Richard Wandyaka(Owen Mukisa 66′)
BUL FC line up that won against Police in first round
Fresh from an exciting Uganda cup win, BUL FC continue their top-four hunt with their final away league match against Police FC on Saturday.
The Eastern Giants mauled Booma FC 5-1 on Tuesday to put one foot into this year’s Uganda cup final, while the Cops won 3-1 against Wakiso Giants last time out
The top two dream may be over for BUL and Alex Isabirye, but the Eastern Giants boss witnessed his side respond to the loss against Express in perfect fashion during their trip to Masindi.
And It’s the kind of performance BUL will seek to replicate at Lugogo if a place in the first four is to be regained.
Fredson Gwotto in action
The reverse fixture saw BUL come out on top with a 2-1 victory in a fascinating game at Kyabazinga stadium. Then, the Cops were in 14th place, and coincidentally, this fixture has come when the hosts are occupying the same rank on the table, fighting for survival and one point from safety.
From their 28 matches, Police have gathered 28 points, 18 behind their visitors who sit in 5th position.
Saturday’s clash is set to be the 18th meeting between these sides.
Team News
Two players – Saidi Keni and Lawrence Kasadha are out of this clash due to knee injuries, but, the of the rest players are available for selection.
What they said
Team manager – Alex Isabirye:
It is going to be a tough one. Police is fighting to survive and we expect them to fight for the three points but we greatly need them as well because we want to finish in the top four.
Ibrahim Mugulusi:
It’s a crucial game against a tough opponent who are in a relegation battle. It’s going to be a tough game for us but we know how we shall handle it. We won the first leg 2-1 but we won’t be taken away by that, so, we have to come out strong.
Last time out
May 10, 2022
Booma 1-5 BUL FC
It was a goal fest at Masindi stadium as BUL smashed Booma FC 5-1 in the first leg of the Uganda cup semi final.
BUL FC players celebrating after winning Booma fc in Uganda cup
In the opening twelve minutes, the Eastern Giants scored three goals.
Simon Peter Oketch fired BUL in front just six minutes after kick off, Richard Wandyaka doubled our lead on the tenth minute before Oketch scored again two minutes later.
Leonard Mujuwa reduced that deficit to two goals when he scored for the hosts on the 21st minute but Ibrahim Kazindula popped up with the fourth goal for BUL FC before the end of the first half.
Karim Ndugwa then sealed the win with a penalty after the break to give Isabirye’s side a first leg advantage.
Head to head
Seventeen (17) league games have been played between these two sides since 2012, producing nine BUL FC wins, five Police FC victories and three draws.
Previous Meeting
Friday October 22, 2021.
BUL FC 2-1 Police
Both sides convened at Kyabazinga Stadium for the league match in October last year and BUL came out 2-1 winners.
Goals from Ibrahim Mugulusi and Richard Wandyaka earned the Eastern Giants a bright start to the new season, with Brian Muluuli Mayanja scoring the consolation for the Cops.
Mugulusi drove BUL ahead with a stunning free kick seven minutes off the half an hour before Muluuli drew the game even with an equaliser for Police on the stroke of halftime.
But just three minutes into the second half, Wandyaka restored our lead that the Eastern Giants held on to gain all the three points.
Last four encounters
October 22, 2021
BUL FC 2-1 Police
February 16, 2021
Police 2-0 BUL FC
September 04, 2019
Police 0-2 BUL FC
March 06, 2019
BUL FC 2-1 Police.
Match facts
BUL FC have won four, drawn six and lost four games to collect 18 points from 14 away matches in this campaign.
The Eastern Giants have lost just once in their past eight league matches but have equally won just once in their last nine league trips.
Isabirye’s side has however dominated this fixture in recent times, recording seven wins off the Cops from their immediate last eight meetings.
Of the 39 goals scored in this fixture, BUL have emphatically scored 21 goals, with Police managing 18 only.
Police have the second worst home record in the division after winning just three times in 14 home league matches.
And they have also not won in their last four matches at Lugogo, scoring two goals and conceding 7 across them.
The hosts meanwhile are unbeaten in their past two matches but have won once in their last six games.
Match officials
Nabadda Shamirah has been appointed to officiate this crucial match. She will be on duty with Katenya Ronald and Sekayuba Fahad as the first and second assistant referee respectively. Nkurunziza George will be the fourth official while Kizito Rehma will be the referee assessor.
How can I follow the game?
The match will not be anywhere on television. BUL FC fans can follow all the action on our:
The Eastern Giants have produced a sensational performance in the first leg of the stanbic Uganda cup semi final to maul Booma FC 5-1 at Masindi stadium on Tuesday.
BUL FC players celebrating their fifth goal
Simon Peter Oketch put BUL ahead on six minutes before Alex Isabirye’s men delivered an onslaught before the break to humiliate their hosts in front of their fans.
Richard Wandyaka made it 2-0 up for us with just ten minutes into the game, Oketch then completed his double three minutes later before Ibrahim Kazindula scored from range on the stroke of half time to restore our three goal cushion.
Just before the hour mark, Ronald Mujuwa had pulled one back for the hosts on 22 minutes.
BUL FC starting line up against Booma fc
After the break, the Eastern Giants were not quite finished and put up another gallant show to deny Booma any ray of hope.
Chris Isingoma pushed a teasing Reagan Kalyowa in the area for the referee to point to the spot.
Karim Ndugwa took up responsibility from the penalty mark and sent Booma’s goalkeeper the wrong way to score our 5th goal.
Later on, Ibrahim Mugulusi thought he had scored a sixth for BUL but it was cancelled with the referee adjudging Ndugwa had committed a foul in the build up to the goal.
The result means Isabirye’s side have inched closer to making it to the final of this competition for the second season running. BUL reached their first final last season where they lost to Vipers at the ultimate stage.
The return leg of this tie is scheduled for Wednesday May 18, but before then, focus now turns to Uganda premier league with a trip to Police FC awaiting us this Saturday.
Starting XI: Emmanuel Kalyowa, Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Hillary Onek, Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya (Aggrey Madoi 84′), Simon Peter Oketch (Martin Aprem 65′), Karim Ndugwa, Richard Wandyaka (Ibrahim Nsimbe 46′) Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 65′), Reagan Kalyowa (Ivan Wani 84′)
The Eastern Giants have the chance to make a second Uganda cup final on the bounce as they take on Booma FC in the semi-final on Tuesday evening. The game will be held at Masindi Municipal stadium with kick off scheduled at 3PM.
BUL FC line up that played against Villa at quarter final stage.
Despite playing all our engagements in this competition away from home, BUL have shown unwavering traits to this stage as they are yet to lose a game in Uganda cup this season.
Against Busoga United, we demonstrated we can put away our chances. In the games against Bright Stars and SC Villa, we showed tremendous grit and fight to navigate difficult moments.
Now what faces the Eastern Giants is the chance to tie down a spot in the final, and possibly have another go at the title.
The home side for this fixture also come into this game with a streak of four wins in Uganda cup this term, so they will prove to be stern opposition regardless of the league tier under which they play league football.
Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating his goal that sealed BULFC a spot in the semi final.
In Uganda cup, they have beaten Nyamityobora, Kajjansi United, Tipsa and Maroons FC to make it to the last four.
Team News
Lawrence Kasadha and Saidi Keni will miss this important game because of injuries, while George Kasonko will not feature due to suspension.
Ahead of the clash, assistant coach Richard Bakabulindi Kasule spoke to the club media.
Coach Richard Kasule during a presser at FUFA house earlier on.
The coach said that ;
“We are going to be very cautious about the opponent because they are one of the teams that have conceded the least goals in this competition.”
“Thus, our strategy will be not to concede away from home and atleast score a goal, and then finish the encounter from home.”
“It’s the only chance we have and reach the final for the second time. We have enough experience and I believe we can go over them.“
“Even though we were humiliated last time, for us we believe it was a big step ahead because the team that lost that day was not our best.”
“As for this time, I believe we have a chance to prove everyone wrong.”
Karim Ndugwa shared the coach’s thoughts about this match and he was confident the Eastern Giants will cruise through.
Little is known about Booma but we are ready to take on whatever comes our way. The coaches have done their best to put us in the best conditions and they have prepared us well. All I ask the fans is to have trust in us and be confident that we can deliver the victory.
Karim Ndugwa poses for a photo after scoring against Bright stars at round of 16
Match officials
The match will be officiated by Sabilla Ali, with Masembe Isa and Okudra Emmanuel serving as his first and second assistant referees. Byaruhanga Henry will be the fourth official while Miiro Nsubuga Brian will be the referee assessor.
The Eastern Giants eight game unbeaten run is over. Express ran 2-1 winners in our Uganda premier league encounter with them at Mutesa II stadium on Saturday.
BUL FC starting line up against Express fc
They were set on their way six minutes after the hour when George Kasonko scored at the wrong end to put them in the lead. And Martin Kiiza doubled their advantage with a calm finish on 39 minutes for they to move into the break with a two goal cushion.
Simon Peter Oketch came off the bench to pull one back for BUL FC with eighteen minutes left to play but a complete comeback was not to happen as the hosts held on to win the game.
Before the Red eagles found their footing, Ibrahim Nsimbe almost put BUL in front midway the first half when he pulled a shot but agonisingly saw his effort slightly fly wide.
Reagan Kalyowa fighting for the ball
Another chance of the Eastern Giants fell to Karim Ndugwa with just nine minutes into the second period however Otim was quick to tame his header.
The Red eagles survived some nervy moments deep in the game but it was just not our day.
This defeat has left the Eastern Giants in the 5th place on 46 points after 28 games.
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko (Hillary Onek 46′), Umar Mukobe, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 67′), Ambrose Kirya (Simon Peter Oketch 41′) Karim Ndugwa, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Ivan Wani (Reagan Kalyowa 41′)
The Eastern Giants make the near 52 mile trip to Express for the Uganda Premier League clash at Mutesa II stadium on Saturday.
After a barren stalemate with Onduparaka the last time out, BUL FC will look to trace back their winning rails against this mid-table side.
And not lacking motivation, Alex Isabirye’s side will be hungry to exact some revenge after a frustrating home defeat earlier in the season against the Wankulukuku outfit.
BUL FC players celebrating
However, Express can be buoyed by their strong home form this season having won five, drawn six and lost just twice in 13 league matches at Wankulukuku.
But their task against BUL will be difficult as the Eastern Giants have enjoyed a good run of form – with an overall record of twelve wins, ten draws and five losses from 27 league games to sit in fourth place with 46 points.
Express can only be good for the sixth place on 42 points after the same round of games as their visitors.
Since 2011, the two sides are meeting for the 19th time in all competitions.
Team News
Defender Lawrence Kasadha will be unavailable after sustaining a knee injury in our last game.
Goalkeeper Saidi Keni is continuing his recovery from his knee injury, whilst Jerome Kirya is out on suspension due to accumulation of yellow cards.
Returning is center back Douglas Muganga after serving his suspension.
What they said:
Assistant coach – James Magala
I am excited we are playing against Express, a team I played for and enjoyed representing but playing against them as a coach is different because this is a job.
We are going there with an objective of winning because everyone knows we need the three points.
They are a good team and we respect them, but we are well prepared to earn the three points.
The boys are are in good conditions and ready to win the game.
Ambrose Kirya
After the draw with Onduparaka, our focus is so much on that Express match. The attitude and character of the boys is too high and we are very ready for the engagement.
Last time out
April 30, 2022
BUL FC 0-0 Onduparaka
The Eastern Giants and Onduparaka drew blanks at Kyabazinga stadium in a game that saw few scoring chances. Jerome Kirya, Karim Ndgwa and Simon Peter Oketch came close but Michael Kagiri in the Caterpillars goal denied them. While at the other end, Emmanuel Oketch and Rashid Yakin had their efforts frustrated by Emmanuel Kalyowa for BUL FC as both teams shared the points.
Head to Head
This fixture has provided 18 meetings in all competitions, producing eight BUL FC wins, five Express FC victories and five draws.
Previous Meeting
October 26, 2021
BUL FC 0-1 Express FC
Mahad Kakooza was the hero for Express as his 53rd minute goal gifted the Red Eagles their first victory of the season on our first face off in October last year.
The midfielder connected to Martin Kizza’s delivery from the left flank to guide the ball beyond Saidi Keni in our goal.
Musa Esenu missed a chance on 12 minutes and Dickson Nuwamanya rattled the crossbar deep in the added minutes after the regular 90 for Express to match away with all the three points.
Last Four Meetings
October 26, 2021
BUL FC 0-1 Express
September 23, 2021
BUL FC 1-0 Express FC (Uganda Cup)
February 20, 2021
BUL FC 0-4 Express FC
August 30, 2019
BUL FC 1-0 Express FC
Match Facts
BUL FC have won four, drawn six and lost three games from 13 away league matches this campaign.
The Eastern Giants are unbeaten in their past eight matches across all competions – winning and drawing four apiece.
They are also unbeaten in their last three away league matches, scoring four and conceding just two across them.
Isabirye’s men have also lost just once in their past six away matches although they count one win only from those trips.
Overall, Express have lost just two home league games in 13 matches this season, winning five and drawing six.
But the Red Eagles have won one game only in their past six matches (Express 2-1 Police in March).
They have conceded in each of their last six games, swallowing a total of nine goals to that effect.
However, James Odoch’s men have won their previous two league meetings with the Eastern Giants.
Match officials
Kimayo Stephen will be the man in the center, with Friday Noah and Atusinguza Robson his first and second assistant referee respectively. Kasalirwe Lucky will serve as the fourth official while Nsubuga Faisal will be the referee assessor.
How to follow the game
The match will not be anywhere on television. BUL FC fans can follow all the action on our:
The clash at Kyabazinga stadium finished with the points being shared between the Eastern Giants and Onduparaka FC on Saturday.
The game started with a battle of possession in the midfield, with a first opportunity falling to BUL FC when Ivan Wani swerved a cross into the box, Karim Ndugwa was at the end of it with a good header that Kagiri Michael in the visitors goal spilled before Patrick Matovu cleared the lines.
Wani, Karim Ndugwa and Jerome Kirya had their efforts later well dealt with Kagiri before Emmanuel Oketch forced Emmanuel Kalyowa into a save from a free kick near the edge of the box as both sides went into the break unscathed.
The second-half saw more of the same from both sides, with Onduparaka starting to take their time over restarts.
Karim Ndugwa in action today
The introduction of Martin Aprem, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Simon Peter Oketch and Ibrahim Mugulusi midway through the second-half showed the intent to win, but the Caterpillars held out for the draw.
Oketch had some chances for BUL, with the first and second being blocked by Ojara Denis, another saved by Kagiri while the forward saw his diagonal header sail far wide and begging.
Onduparaka’s realistic attempt on goal in the second half came through Rashid Yakin as the midfielder powered a shot into the hands of Kalyowa from range. Emmanuel Oketch had an attempt from edge of the area later but Kalyowa in BUL’s goal spread his body wide to block it.
Richard Ayiko possessing the ball
BUL won a series of set pieces in the closing exchanges but away through was elusive. The result has seen the Eastern Giants accumulate 46 points from 27 matches but remained unmoved from the fourth place.
Our next task will be away to Express on May 7.
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Walter Ochora, Lawrence Kasadha ( Ibrahim Kazindula 64′),Richard Ayiko,Umar Mukobe,George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Mugulusi 76′), Richard Wandyaka (Ibrahim Nsimbe 62′), Ambrose Kirya (Simon Peter Oketch 62′),Karim Ndugwa, Ivan Wani (Martin Aprem 46′)
Two of the Uganda premier league’s in-form sides lock horns this Saturday as BUL FC play host to Onduparaka at Kyabazinga stadium.
Martin Aprem in action
The Eastern Giants defeated SC Villa 2-1 after extra time to earn a semi final spot in Uganda Cup, while George Lutalo’s side put two unanswered goals past Express last time out.
The reverse fixture in Arua saw BUL top their visitors 2-0 at Green Light stadium, thanks to Martin Aprem’s brace.
And they come into the clash in imperious form, having won five of our last eight games in all competitions.
Alex Isabirye’s side sit in fourth place with 45 points, just five behind second-placed KCCA FC with four matches remaining.
Onduparaka have won their past five league games in succession, scoring ten goals in them.
Their quintet of victories has also seen them concede just two goals in the process, although such resilience will be tested to the maximum against the Eastern Giants whose 47 goals in 26 matches as of now is the second best goal scoring record in the league.
The Caterpillars sit in eighth, level on 33 points with UPDF and five above SC Villa.
Ivan Wani against Villa
This will be the 12th meeting between the two sides.
Team News
Douglas Muganga will sit out of this clash because of a red card he received in our encounter with Gaddafi. Isabirye also confirmed Saidi Keni has not yet recovered from a knee injury, while the game has come too soon for Aggrey Madoi as well.
What they said:
Team manager – Alex Isabirye:
This is going to be a tough but exciting match and I expect fans to enjoy it given the fact that Onduparaka have won their games of recent and we are also improving game by game.
I have been telling you we are trying to learn how to win games and that has not changed yet, but this game maybe abit hard because Onduparaka may put up a strong fight but nevertheless, we expect to win it.
Manager Alex giving instructions to midfielder Jerome Kirya
Jerome Kirya said, “the morale in the camp is high and we are ready to work for the three points.”
Last time out
Monday April 25
SC Villa 1-2 BUL FC (AET)
The last outing for BUL FC saw them storm the semi finals of the Stanbic Uganda cup after beating SC Villa 2-1 in the quarter finals.
Saddam Masereka dragged SC Villa infront but Karim Ndugwa levelled the game for the Eastern Giants before a late goal from Ibrahim Nsimbe in extra time settled the battle.
BUL were reduced to ten men in the second half when George Kasonko was sent off for a second bookable offence on Masereka but despite having numerical disadvantage, BUL forced the game to extra time and eventually got the winning goal with five minutes to the end of extra time.
Head to head
BUL and Onduparaka have met on eleven occasions in the past. BUL have won five encounters with the Caterpillars winning two and the sides drawing four times.
Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating with Ibrahim Kazindula
Previous meeting
Saturday October 30,2021
Onduparaka 0-2 BUL FC
BUL FC beat Onduparaka FC 2-0 at Greenlight stadium in Arua.
Martin Aprem scored a brace as the Eastern Giants bundled the Caterpillars to their first loss of the season. The forward opened the scores eight minutes to the break before he completed his brace at the hour mark to seal the win for BUL FC.
Last four meetings
October 30, 2021
Onduparaka FC 0-2 BUL FC
May 22, 2021
BUL FC 3-1 Onduparaka FC
March 02, 2021
Onduparaka FC 0-1 BUL FC
March 04, 2021
BUL FC 4-0 Onduparaka FC
Match Facts
BUL FC have won eight games, drawn three and lost two in 13 home matches.
The Eastern Giants have the third best home record this campaign, only behind league leaders – Vipers SC and Arua Hill after accumulating 27 points, and scoring 26 goals and conceding just 8 at Kyabazinga stadium.
Isabirye’s side are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions as they have won four and drawn three.
They have also won their past four meetings with the Caterpillars, put forward ten goals and conceded one only across that run.
BUL are unbeaten in five matches as hosts to Onduparaka since 2016 with a record of three victories and two stalemates.
Only two teams have run away with maximum points from Kyabazinga stadium – Express (1-0) in October and Vipers SC (3-1) in early February but BUL have won four matches and drawn one since that loss to the Venoms
This fixture has produced 18 goals but BUL have a Lion share of 13 to their name.
Onduparaka’s two victories over the Eastern Giants came in 2018 (1-0) and 2019 (1-0) but all were at Green Light stadium.
The Caterpillars have won their past five matches, scored ten goals in them and kept three clean sheets.
Overall, the visitors have not been good travellers this campaign after winning just four matches, drawing two and losing seven of their 13 trips in the league, but, they are unbeaten in their last three away games with the previous defeat on the road being a 2-1 loss to URA in early March.
Match officials
The match will be handled by Komakech Charles as the center referee. He will be assisted by Kakembo Ahmed (first assistant referee) and Ichilla Samuel (second assistant referee). Sajjabi Geoffrey will be the fourth official while the match assessor will be Kityo Asuman.
How to follow the game
The match will not be anywhere on television. BUL FC fans can follow all the action on our:
Ten man BUL football club booked a place in the semi finals of the Stanbic Uganda cup for the second season running.
Karim Ndugwa turned the game and Ibrahim Nsimbe settled it in extra time as the Eastern Giants battled from behind to roll 2-1 over SC Villa in the quarterfinals on Monday.
Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating his goal with teammates
We were level 1-1 after the regular ninety minutes, and it required the extra thirty minutes to set the two teams apart.
The game looked like heading to spot kicks before Ibrahim Nsimbe scored a priceless winner on 115 minutes.
BUL fans were in strong voice at Fufa Technical Center as they cheered their team on every attack they made, and their faith was rewarded at the end of the game.
Alex Isabirye’s side had a lengthy spell of possession in the opening half and the hosts resorted to counter attacks.
Hillary Onek floated a sumptuous cross into the box inside two minutes but Gift Fred channeled it for a corner.
Hillary Onek in action today
In just a while, SC Villa’s Sadam Masereka dribbled on the left and leaped our defense to force a save from Emmanuel Kalyowa on a quarter hour.
But that did not deter the Eastern Giants from dominating the proceedings, with Jerome Kirya in particular dictating the rhythm of the game with his silky passing.
However, it was the Jogoos who took the lead through Benson Muhindo on 16 minutes.
Kalyowa blocked Masereka’s efforts but the ball did not travel far and the pacy winger latched onto a loose ball in the box to smash in the opener.
Despite going 1-0 down, BUL were not discouraged, and with Just four minutes after half an hour, Ndugwa restored parity for the Eastern Giants.
A strong George Kasonko pass needed a brash from Martin Aprem for the forward to head past Martin Ssenkooto in SC Villa’s goal.
The major highlight in the second half was Kasonko’s red card on 69 minutes but chances were indeed few. Kasonko was sent off by referee Opio Deogracious for a second bookable offense following a foul on Masereka.
Captain Walter Ochora inaction today
Meanwhile BUL had a chance to wrap up the game with in the ninety minutes with only 17 minutes left on the clock.
Ndugwa and Kirya exchanged between themselves and the latter found Nsimbe whose efforts missed to the left and the referee called for extra time.
In a clever burst through the centre of the pitch five minutes to the end of the extra time, Ibrahim Mugulusi weaved his way through a crowd of the Jogoos in a tight space with some quick feet, before sliding the ball right to Umar Mukobe who delivered a sublime cross into the box for Nsimbe to node home after beating two defenders to the ball.
The goal proved to be the match winner and it sealed BUL FC’s spot in the last four.
Starting XI:
BUL FC starting line up against Sc Villa
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Douglas Muganga, Hillary Onek (Umar Mukobe 105′), Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Lawrence Kasadha), Richard Wandyaka, Martin Aprem (Ibrahim Mugulusi 106′), Karim Ndugwa (Ibrahim Kazindula 86′), Ivan Wani (Ibrahim Nsimbe 46′).
