BUL FC played out an entertaining one all draw with Mbarara City in Uganda Premier League on Wednesday afternoon.
The Eastern Giants went a goal down early in the contest after Bebe Swalik’s fourteen minutes’ opener at Kakyeka Stadium.
But they drew level two minutes later through a brilliant finish from Simon Peter Oketch.
Mbarara City could have jumped into the lead earlier than they did, only for Abdul Kimera to save their penalty kick ten minutes into the game..
When the action did resume in the second half, BUL pushed for a second goal especially after the coach introduced Anwar Ntege for Deogracious Ojok and Musa Esenu for Robert Mukongotya.
Their influence presented an opportunity to claim all the three points in the 90th minute but Oketch’s goal bound shot was blocked by the host’s Byekwaso.
This clash marked the end of our UPL first round and the result has pushed us to 20 points from fifteen outings.
Starting XI Against Mbarara City
Abdul Kimera, Douglas Bithum, Ramathan Dudu, Fredrick Kigozi, Walter Ochora, Godfrey Akol, Elvis Kibaale, Robert Mukongotya, Martin Aprem, Simon Peter Oketch, Deogracious Ojok
Substitutes
Sanon Mulabi, Jimmy Kulaaba, Fredson Gwoto, Musa Esenu, Richard Wandyaka, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Anwar Ntege
*Note: Fans registration for seasonal tickets is ongoing at the club offices
BUL FC will be looking to make it three wins on the spin on Wednesday when they go up against Mbarara City in a Uganda Premier League match at Kakyeka Stadium.
The team has enjoyed recent successes over Bright Stars and Kitara FC in their immediate last two games and this will be the inspirational factor in downing their Wednesday hosts to whom they have come second in their last three visits to Kakyeka
This will be the eighth meeting between the two sides, with the Eastern Giants winning twice, drawing on two occasions and losing three of them.
BUL head into Wednesday’s tie with a lot of confidence, however, after not only winning their immediate last game, but, also because it comes on the back of hard-fought two consecutive away victories over Onduparaka and Bright Stars.
They are positioned 9th while the Ankole Lions are found in 12th place on the UPL table with 19 and 13 points respectively
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Team News
Robert Mukonghotya will be in contention for a starting slot after missing the Kitara game while on suspension. Joseph Ssemujju is still sidelined as is Hamis Tibita.
Kenneth Ssemakula is also not available for selection because license troubles.
The team will still have to do without the services of Abdul Malik Vitalis Tabu (toe injury), Peter Onzima (groin injury) and long term absentee Ambrose Kirya with knee pain.
Head coach Arthur Kyesimira speaking to players after training
WHAT HE SAID?
“Last season we lost to Mbarara City here 1-0, a game that we played very well but we lost a lot of chances. We prepared well this season, this time round we have had a good run on our away games but it counts for nothing tomorrow. All I know is the boys have desire and motivation to do better not only on away or home games but they want to win every game.” Arthur Kyesimira Head coach
KEY STATS
BUL FC have won three and lost four in seven away games (P7 W3 D0 L4)
They have scored seven and conceded a similar number of goals in that run
They have won their last two away games without conceding
They have won all their away games they have scored in except one against UPDF FC (UPDF 2-1 BUL)
They have lost their last three visits to Mbarara City, conceding four goals and finding the net once.
They have failed to score in their last two visits to the Ankole Lions.
Mbarara City have won two, drawn three and lost two in their last seven home games (P7 W2 D3 L2)
They have managed to find the net six times and conceded five goals in that run
They have kept only one clean sheet at home
OUR LAST THREE VISITS TO MBARARA CITY
February 26, 2020
Mbarara City 1-0 BUL FC
November 13, 2018
Mbarara City 1-0 BUL FC
April 18, 2018
Mbarara City 2-1 BUL FC
OUR LAST THREE AWAY GAMES
March 10, 2021
Bright Stars 0-2 BUL FC
March 2, 2021
Onduparaka FC 0-1 BUL FC
February 23, 2021
Vipers SC 1-0 BUL FC
MBARARA CITY’S LAST THREE HOME GAMES
February 27, 2021
Mbarara City 3-1 Kyetume
March 6, 2021
Mbarara City 1-0 Vipers SC
March 13, 2021
Mbarara City 0-1 Bright Stars
OVERALL FORM
Mbarara City. BUL FC
14. Games. 14
3. Won. 6
4. Drawn. 1
7. Lost. 7
11. Goals. 18
19. Against. 20
3. Clean Sheet. 2
21 PLAYERS AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION
Abdul Kimera (28), Ramadan Dudu (12), Fredrick Kigozi (07), Walter Ochora (05), Godfrey Akol (06), Charles Sempa (27), Ibrahim Mugulusi (8), Robert Mukongotya (21),
Richard Wandyaka (13), Simon Oketch Peter (29), Deogracious Ojok (19), Sanon Mulabi (GK) (23), Jimmy Kulaaba (17), Fredson Gwoto (04), Musa Esenu (20), Martin Aprem (09), Douglas Bithum (25), Elvis Kibaale, Paul Mbazira, Anwar Ntege (26)
*Note: Fans registration for seasonal tickets is ongoing at the club offices
BUL FC gear up for a home clash against Kitara FC in the Uganda Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Eastern Giants will enter this tie off the back of a comfortable 2-0 win over Bright Stars on Wednesday; a goal from Deogracious Ojok had sent the boys ahead in the first half of the contest before Mukongotya doubled the advantage in the second period, whereas Kitara’s last outing saw them scrap a 3-2 victory over Wakiso Giants.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides in the league
BUL are in 9th place while the visitors find themselves in position 15 on the UPL table with 16 and 5 points respectively.
L-R: Left full back Madoi, aattacking midfielder Simon Peter Oketch and Godffrey Akol
Teams News
Abdul Malik Vitalis Tabu (toe injury), Peter Onzima (groin injury), and Ambrose Kirya will not be available for selection.
Robert Mukongotya [limped off in the last game], Hamis Tibita [knee] are likely to miss out while Joseph Ssemujju will be assessed if fit to play having missed the last three games with ankle injury.
KEY STATS
BUL FC have won two, drawn one and lost three games at home (W2 D1 L3)
The Eastern Giants haven’t yet lost two consecutive home games this season
They haven’t lost at home to a newly promoted team, won 4-1 against MYDA
BUL have scored eight and conceded 11 goals in six home games
The team has failed to score in only three home games – against Express, URA and Wakiso Giants.
They haven’t yet kept a clean sheet at home
Kitara FC has drawn two and lost four of their six away games (W0 D2 L4)
They have scored six and conceded 17 goals in that run
Kitara have failed to score in only two away games – against Bright Stars and KCCA FC
The visitors haven’t yet kept a clean sheet this season.
BUL FC cruised to a 2-0 win against Soltiro Bright Stars at Kavumba Recreation Grounds on Wednesday.
Deogracious Ojok’s fine strike from close range in the first-half saw BUL FC well in control at half-time.
The Eastern Giants continued in the same vain at the start of the second-half and their magnificent play presented another goal scoring opportunity on 49 minute. Fredrick Kigozi sought for the head of Ojok with a well laid in cross but the forward’s free header flew a few inches wide of the post.
They made sure of their victory nine minutes after the hour mark. Robert Mukongotya, who had been a threat to the hosts throughout the game, arrowed in a second goal for the team with his trade mark thunderbolt from a free kick near the centerline.
The goal kicked BUL into gear and they began to have more joy containing the Bright Stars threat and continue to pose problems for their opponents at the other end.
With this cushion, assistant coach Dan Mubiru brought on some fresh faces. Ibrahim Mugulusi replaced Charles Sempa, Martin Aprem came in for Mukongotya while Musa Esenu took up the place for Ojok in the 70th, 85th and 89th minutes respectively.
This was BUL FC’s first win in the last six visits to Bright Stars.
The result lifts the Eastern Giants to 9th position on the sixteen team log with 16 points from 13 games played in the Uganda Premier League ahead of Saturday’s clash with Kitara FC at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe – Jinja City.
BUL will host Kitara FC next on Saturday March 13 at Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe
BUL’s starting XI against Bright Stars
Starting XI Vs Bright Stars
Abdul Kimera, Aggrey Madoi, Ramathan Dudu, Fredrick Kigozi, Walter Ochora, Godfrey Akol, Charles Sempa, Robert Mukongotya, Richard Wandyaka, Simon Peter Oketch, Deogracious Ojok
Substitutes
Sanon Mulabi, Jimmy Kulaaba, Fredson Gwoto, Musa Esenu, Martin Aprem, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Douglas Bithum
*Note: Fans registration for seasonal tickets is ongoing at the club offices
Head Coach Arthur Kyesimira will be after a quick response from his players as BUL FC pay a visit to Bright Stars for their Uganda Premier League tie at Kavumba Recreational Grounds on Wednesday.
The team suffered a setback in their last time out at the hands of Wakiso Giants in Bugembe, with Viane Ssekajjugo being the chief orchestrator of the 1-0 defeat. BUL had won two games on the trot before that unfortunate match.
The hosts are in 10th place while the Eastern Giants are in position 11 on the sixteen team log with 14 and 13 points respectively.
Solitilo Bright Stars suffered defeat against Onduparaka in their most recent outing at home and Wednesday now provides the opportunity to the Eastern Giants to pile more misery upon their hosts by bagging all three points and make more ground in the chase for top positions on the UPL table
Team News
Forward Joseph Ssemujju will have to undergo a late fitness test having missed the last two games with ankle problem.
While Abdul Malik Vitalis Tabu (toe injury), Peter Onzima (groin injury) and long term absentees and new recruit Ambrose Kirya remain on the sidelines.
Goal keeper Davis Mutebi is back from illness while captain Fredson Gwoto might be restored back in the team after a compassionate leave.
KEY STATS
BUL FC have won two and lost five of their last seven away games this season (W2 D0 L5), and have scored five and conceded seven goals in that process.
The Eastern Giants have failed to score in only three away games (Kyetume 1-0 BUL FC, Police FC 2-0 BUL FC, Vipers SC 1-0 BUL FC)
Only two players have scored for the team away from home. That is Joseph Ssemujju (against Busoga United & UPDF) and Anwar Ntege ( against Onduparaka).
BUL FC haven’t won a game in their last five visits to Bright Stars (W0 D2 L3)
Bright Stars have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six home games in the league (W3 D1 L2)
Fourteen of their twenty goals this season have come at home.
They have scored five and let in only two goals in their last five home games against BUL FC.
Vianne Ssekajugo scored a late winner on Saturday as Wakiso Giants rode their luck to beat BUL FC 1-0 in a Uganda Premier League clash at Kyabazinga stadium – Bugembe in Jinja City.
The diminutive forward lofted the ball to the top left corner of the net two minutes to the end of the game to give the Purple Sharks a rare win over the Eastern Giants.
Before that strike, the Eastern Giants came closest to breaking the deadlock via Simon Peter Oketch in the first half, but the midfielder missed Robert Mukongotya’s well weighted in cross by a whisker.
The later would be gifted with a great scoring opportunity with goalkeeper Samson Kirya at his mercy two minutes after restart of the game in the second half but the robust wide man was flagged offside by the first assistant referee.
The Purple Sharks also had a pretty chance of their own to take the lead in the 58th minute but Kaggwa could not manage to slot the ball into an empty net.
Daniel Mubiru – the assistant head coach, who was in the dag out for BUL FC, introduced Ibrahim Mugulusi and Deogracious Ojok for Charles Ssempa and Anwar Ntege respectively at the hour mark to give the team a spark.
Musa Esenu came in for Robert Mukongotya as Mbazira also replaced Simon Peter twelve minutes to the end of the game.
The flesh legs on the pitch inflated more life and momentum to the team with better exchanges in the opponent’s half but the visitors were up to the task with vigilant goal keeping. It was simply not our day.
The result leaves BUL FC on 13 points after 12 games. Their next league encounter will be away to Bright Stars on Wednesday March 10.
Starting XI against Wakiso Giants
Abdul Kimera, Aggrey Madoi, Fredrick Kigozi, Douglas Bithum, Jimmy Kulaba, Godfrey Akol, Charles Ssempa, Robert Mukongotya, Richard Wandyaka, Simon Peter Oketch
Anwar Ntege,
Substitutes
Sanon Mulabi, Elvis Kibaale, Fredson Gwoto, Mbazira, Musa Esenu, Deogracious Ojok, Ibrahim Mugulusi
MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC RULE OUT SHARING POINTS WITH PURPLE SHARKS
MATCH: BUL FC Vs WAKISO GIANTS
LEAGUE: Uganda Premier League
DATE: Saturday March 6, 2021
VENUE: Kyabazinga Stadium – Bugembe @4PM
*Note: Fans registration for seasonal tickets is ongoing at the club offices
Reborn BUL FC will take on Wakiso Giants this Saturday at Kyabazinga stadium in the Uganda Premier League.
This will be the third meeting between the two sides in the league since the Purple Sharks gained promotion, with the Eastern Giants boasting with one victory and a draw from their two previous clashes.
BUL FC are positioned in 10th place and Wakiso Giants in 11th on the UPL table with 13 and 12 points respectively.
The Arthur Kyesimira tutored team have convincingly won two games on the bounce and will desperately seek to maintain that run and play for all three points on Saturday albeit the visitors managing a league high nine draws this season.
Team News
Keneth Ssemakula, Davis Mutebi and Ambrose Kirya are out of this tie.
The clash has also come too soon for Peter Onzima (groin) and Abdul Malik Vitalis Tabu (toe) who are still on the recovery course from injuries.
Joseph Ssemujju will be assessed if fit to play despite sitting out of Onduparaka match with ankle pain.
What coach said?
“We have really prepared very well ahead our next engagement against Wakiso Giants FC because we want to get maximum points. We shall not take the game for granted because even our opponents are not seated they will want to make revenge.” Dan Mubiru Assistant head coach
KEY STATS
BUL FC have not lost to Wakiso Giants in UPL, winning one and drawing one of their only two meetings since the visitors earned promotion to the topflight league.
BUL FC have won two, drawn one and lost two home games this season (W2 D1 L2)
BUL FC have scored eight and conceded ten goals in five home games.
BUL FC have not lost a home game this season they have scored in before the half time break (W2 D1) (2-1 KCCA FC, 4-1 MYDA, 2-2 SC Villa).
BUL FC have failed to score in only two home games – against Express and URA FC.
The Eastern giants have not yet kept a clean sheet at home
Wakiso Giants have won one and lost on one occasion away from home, and that was against Mbarara City and Express respectively.
They have drawn three out of five away games.
The visitors have scored two and conceded four goals on the road but, they have never scored against BUL FC.
Fitness training coach also shown matching orders.
BUL Football Club put up a spirited fight to fetch a 0-1 win away in Arua City.
The Eastern Giants hadn’t registered any victory in Arua against Onduparaka FC since ‘the caterpillars’ inaugural UPL season in 2016.
Anwar Ntege Mustafa’s solitary goal was enough to seal BUL FC’s important away win in AbaBet Green light stadium.
Ntege saw the back of the net in the 43minute when workaholic midfielder Robert Mukongotya regulated a tempting smart cross to meet the talisman in the right scoring position to comfortably tap it in the net.
BUL’s impressive performance with that do-or-die mentality was right witnessed from a 1-0 narrow loss to Vipers before smashing Malaba Youth Development Association Football Club (MYDA FC) 4-1 [at home] and now to the caterpillars 0-1 away from home.
This is BUL’s second victory away from home with the first one this season coming against staggering neighbours, Busoga United FC.
They will now be preparing for their next league outing against Wakiso Giants on Saturday March 6, at home and as well looking for three suceessive wins in a row.
BUL is now 10th on the Uganda Premier League table with thirteen points gathered so far from 11 games.
BUL FC Starting Line XI against Onduparaka FC:
Abdul Kimera (28), Aggrey Madoi (03), Fredrick Kigozi (07), Ramadan Dudu (12), Walter Ochora (05), Godfrey Akol (06), Elvis Kibaale (30), Robert Mukongotya (21), Richard Wandyaka (13), Simon Oketch Peter (29), Anwar Ntege (26)
Substitutes:
Sanon Mulabi (GK) (23), Douglas Bithum (25), Martin Aprem (09), Charles Sempa (27)
Musa Esenu (20), Deogracious Ojok (19), Ibrahim Mugulusi (08)
Vice captain Walter Ochora during the morning session in Arua
MATCH: Onduparaka Vs BUL FC
LEAGUE: Uganda Premier League
DATE: Tuesday March 2, 2021
VENUE: AbaBet Green Light Stadium Arua City at 4pm
*Note: Fans registration for seasonal tickets is ongoing at the club offices
BUL FC will be looking to build on friday’s win against MYDA as they visit Onduparaka at the Green Light Stadium in Arua City on Tuesday. The Jinja City soccer giants bounced back to winning ways in style, thrashing MYDA with a dominant 4-1 victory and they are buoyant of replicating that winning spirit on Tuesday and also getting their first win against Onduparaka in Arua.
This will be the ninth meeting between the two sides. Both teams have claimed two victories apiece and drawn four times in their previous eight clashes. BUL outfoxed their Tuesday hosts 4-0 back in March last year, but, be-that-as-it-may, they have not yet managed to get a win from Green Light Stadium in their last four visits there.
Team News
Long term absentee – Ambrose Kirya remains on the sidelines while Joseph Ssemujju is doubtful. Kenneth Ssemakula is still not available for selection as he is away with the Uganda Hippos in Mauritania for AFCON U-20 finals. The rest of the squad is available for Tuesday’s match.
Head coach Arthur Kyesimira said that the team is in good conditions and ready to win tomorrow’s tie. “The team is in very good conditions. The spirit is high and ready to take on the Caterpillars. We know Onduparaka may put up a spirited fight but we hope to defend well, utilize all our chances and win the game,” Kyesimira said.
Center back Dudu Ramathan, who will be facing his former pay masters, also reiterated the coach’s remarks. “Everything is okay. We have been well prepared and set to win tomorrow’s game.”
LAST 4 VISITS TO ONDUPARAKA December 6, 2016
Onduparaka FC 1-1 BUL FC
February 20, 2018 Onduparaka FC 1-0 BUL FC April 20, 2019 Onduparaka FC 1-0 BUL FC November 5, 2019 Onduparaka FC 0-0 BUL FC
1. Sanon Mulabi 2. Abdul Kimera 3. Walter Ochora4. Ramadan Dudu 5. Aggrey Madoi6. Fredrick Kigozi7. Godfrey Akol8. Elvis Kibaale9. Douglas Bithum10. Richard Wandyaka11. Ibrahim Mugulusi12. Musa Esenu13. Joseph Ssemujju14. Deogracious Ojok 15. Simon Oketch Peter 16. Charles Sempa17. Robert Mukongotya18. Anwar Ntege19. Paul Mbazira 20. Martin Aprem
TEAM OFFICIALS:
1. Arthur Kyesimira (head coach)2. Dan Mubiru (Assistant head coach)3. James Magala (goalkeeper coach)4. Ronald Lwanga (Statistician)5. Noah Kasule (Fitness trainer)6. Eric Kaluya (Team Doctor)7. Rashid Kebba (Team physio)8. Ali Kilegeya (Statistician)9. Joseph Mutaka (Communication & Marketing) 10. Denis Kirunda (Videographer)11. Phillip Mugabi (Kits manager)12. Moses Mutumba (Bus driver)
Musa Esenu, Simon Peter Oketch, Anwar Ntege and Joseph Ssemujju were all on target for Arthur Kyesimira’s side
Anwar scores his maiden league goal in BUL jersey
BUL’s next fixture is away to Onduparaka on Tuesday
BUL football club – secured a 4-1 victory at MYDA FC on Friday evening at Kyabazinga Stadium as the team ended a 3-game winless run in the Uganda Premier League.
Musa Esenu, Simon Peter Oketch, Anwar Ntege and Joseph Ssemujju were all on target for Arthur Kyesimira’s side who turned in a ruthless second-half performance to race into that comprehensive victory.
Esenu opened the scoring account with a delightful run past defenders to give BUL the lead in the 15th minute but Moses Batali equalised to restore parity for the visitors before the half time break.
Simon Peter Oketcho, who had replaced Fredrick Kigozi thirteen minutes after the hour mark, scored with a nice tap in to give the soccer giants a deserved lead again.
Anwar Ntege made amends for his earlier glaring misses when he poked in BUL FC’s third goal from point-blank range five minutes to the end of the game. Thanks to Joseph Ssemujju for the assistance.
Talisman Joseph Ssemujju closed the scoring occasion in the 5th minute of added time with a well struck kick from the penalty mark following a foul play on him in the forbidden area.
This was BUL FC’s third win this season and second at home. The team has now collected ten points from ten games.
Their next league engagement will be away to Onduparaka FC on Tuesday March 2, at Green Light Stadium in Arua City.
BUL FC Starting XI Against MYDA FC
Abdul Kimera, Walter Ochora, Fredrick Kigozi (Simon Peter), Aggrey Madoi, Ramathan Dudu, Robert Mukongotya, Godfrey Akol, Elvis Kibaale, Richard Wandyaka (Joseph, Ssemujju), Musa Esenu ( Martin Aprem), Anwar Ntege
Substitutes
Sanon Mulabi, Douglas Bithum, Aprem Martin, Isima Mugulusi, Charles Ssempa, Joseph Ssemujju, Simon Oketch Peter
