BUL FC reached the semifinals of the Stanbic Uganda cup by beating ten time winners KCCA FC 6-5 in a penalty shootout on Saturday, with the game only getting that far thanks to Etiene Katenga who in the 13th minute looped goalkeeper Tom Ikara to equalize for the visitors after Alex Kitata had put the Eastern Giants in control with a long range strike in the ninth minute.
The game didn’t produce any other goal in the remaining time, including extra time despite both teams trying to find a winner but with no breakthrough.
It then needed fourteen penalty kicks to separate the sides, with BUL missing only one while the Kasasiro Boys failed to convert twice.
Jerome Kirya was unlucky for BUL while Herbert Achai, and Peter Magambo faulted for KCCA. But Ibrahim Kazindula, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Joel Mutakubwa, Ibrahim Mugulusi and Pascal Ngobi scored to lift the Eastern Giants to the next stage.
BUL has now joined NEC and Pajule in the last four of the competition as they wait for the winner between Kitara and Vipers SC to complete the set on Sunday.
The Eastern Giants now turn their focus to the Uganda premier league match against Express next Saturday in Njeru.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara (GK) (Joel Mutakubwa 119’), Hillary Onek, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Pascal Ngobi, George Kasonko (Ibrahim Mugulusi 71’), Jerome Kirya, Martin Aprem (Ibrahim Orit 45’), Reagan Kalyowa (Emmanuel Obua 110’), Alex Kitata (, Ibrahim Kazindula 119’)
Unused substitutes:
Benon Tahomera, Amos Kirya,Gerald Ogweti, Joel Madondo.
Kitata scored a brace to take his tally to ten goals
Finally BUL FC smiled again at FUFA technical centre as they claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wakiso Giants on Saturday, their second win in the league since the turn of the year.
After losing two consecutive games at home, and firing blanks against Kitara in Masindi, the Eastern Giants were determined to make amends and return to winning ways, and they just exactly did that.
A brace from Alex Kitata and a fabulous strike from Jeromy Kirya secured all the three much need points for BUL.
The victory saw Abbey Kikomeko’s men scale back to the second place with 43 points, just one off leaders Kitara.
In a match where BUL was in total control from the onset, Wakiso Giants didn’t offer too much threat, and the Eastern Giants should have grabbed a cricket score here.
Within just two minutes, a real opportunity presented itself. Martin Aprem made a neat pass to Hillary Onek, his curling pass from the right off his left boot found the feet of Reagan Kalyowa in the box but Blanchar Mulumba threw in his body to give away a corner.
From the resultant corner, Jeromy Kirya showed that he would be a menace to the visitors as he delivered a dangerous effort that goalkeeper Bashir Ssekagya came out to punch far.
Shortly after, BUL had another opportunity to get themselves on the score sheet. This time, Reagan Kalyowa received on the half turn near the area but his attempt was diverted into a corner by the standout goalkeeper.
At the quarter hour mark, the diminutive wide man gifted Alex Kitata with a golden opportunity to score but the forward didn’t get a contact with the ball.
The Eastern Giants were well on top but striving to find the target. On 18 minutes, Ibrahim Mugulusi’s brilliant drift onto his strong left foot in the box saw his shot just run a little too fast and high over the bar.
Not long after, Pascal Ngobi engineered a counter with his lovely cross field pass getting Nicholas Mwere into the action on the left where he unleashed a vicious shot which Ssekagya read well, coming out to punch but not far though. Kitata fed on the spills but the goalkeeper got down well to block his effort from close range.
BUL would draw the first blood on 25 minutes through Jeromy Kirya. Following a fast break initiated by Kalyowa and kept alive by Pascal Ngobi, Kirya brilliantly orchestrated a half volley on the first time and his well struck low shot sailed past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net to round off a fantastic team goal to end the half 1-0 up.
The Eastern Giants kept the intensity up after the break, lacing attack after attack into the Purple Sharks’ box, which eventually fathered more two goals.
In the 55th minute, Mugulusi produced a master class in the middle of the park and played Kitata in through a hole. The forward’s first touch was just lovely which allowed him to drag his marker to the right before he dispatched a diagonal low shot into the far corner of the net to stretch BUL’s lead.
Kikomeko’s men were still enjoying a good portion of the possession and ultimately scored the third goal that sealed all the three points.
Mwere’s throw in was the mother of another wonderful move that produced yet another team goal. Reagan Kalyowa flicked to find Mugulusi who slipped the ball to Kitata with a back heel.
Kitata’s shot perfectly beat SSsekagya and it beautifully nestled into the bottom right corner to score his 10th league goal of the season.
BUL will still be at home the next Saturday where they will host KCCA in the quarter finals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara (GK), Ronald Otti, Nicholas Mwere, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Jeromy Kirya (Mathew Odongo Tayo), Pascal Ngobi, Hillary Onek, Reagan Kalyowa (Ibrahim Orit), Martin Aprem (Amos Kirya), Alex Kitata (Joel Madondo), Benon Tahomera.
Unused Substitutes:
Emmanuel Obua, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Kazindula, Lawrence Tezikya, Gerald Ogweti, Joel Mutakubwa.
BUL FC are poised to seek solace on return to FUFA technical Centre as they host Wakiso Giants on Saturday. Just one win in nine league matches is the course the Eastern Giants will look to change in the fight to re-discover their winning rhythm.
Currently sitting in the third place, Abbey Kikomeko’s men have amassed 40 points, same as the second placed SC Villa from 22 games, trailing leaders Kitara by four points.
Their sight is now set on turning their Njeru home into a fortress again after losing two consecutive games from there against UPDF and SC Villa. They will be entering this match with confidence having picked a point away at Kitara the last time out in a goalless draw at Masindi stadium.
The Purple Sharks apparently lie in 12th position with 26 points from 22 games. They enter this game on the heels of a 1-0 victory against NEC a week ago but their run of inconsistent form this campaign cannot be forgotten, having won only seven games so far.
Reflecting on the earlier encounter this season, BUL walked home with all the three points when Martin Aprem, Alex Kitata and Jerome Kirya struck in the second half to give the Eastern Giants a 3-0 win at Kabaka Kyabagu stadium in Wakiso.
Saturday’s faceoff will be the tenth between the two sides.
Team News
The coach has confirmed he almost has a full squad to choose from with the only absentee being Douglas Muganga who is still out with an injury.
Coach’s remarks
“We are coming back home to play a team that is also performing well. Unfortunately, we lost our previous two games here but tomorrow we are bouncing back with a win. I think the boys are in high gear and we expect to win,”coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said.
Martin Aprem said;
“We have trained and prepared very well, and excited to play tomorrow. We head into this game with all focus set on getting all the three points. We are not going to disappoint.”
Head to Head
P9 W4 D2 L3
It is four wins for BUL and three for Wakiso Giants and the sides have drawn two times in nine matches since 2019.
Last four encounters
February 12, 2022
BUL FC 2-0 Wakiso Giants
December 02, 2022
BUL FC 2-1 Wakiso Giants
May 01, 2023
Wakiso Giants 0-0 BUL FC
December 01, 2023
Wakiso Giants 0-3 BUL FC
Match Facts
BUL have won six games, drawn and lost two apiece in ten (10) home matches, with 20 points collected from a possible 30.
Along the run, Kikomeko’s side has scored 12 goals, conceded six, and kept four clean sheets at FUFA technical centre.
After scoring in eight consecutive home games, the Eastern Giants have failed to find the back of the net in their previous two outings in Njeru, and ultimately lost them.
Since the turn of the year, BUL have won one league game – drawn five and lost three in nine matches in 2024.
They have also failed to score in their past three games – against UPDF, SC Villa and Kitara FC.
Out of the four home fixtures against the Purple Sharks, BUL have won two games, drawn one and lost one. The defeat (1-0) came in March 2021 courtesy of Vianne Sekajugo’s late strike at Kyabazinga stadium.
The Eastern Giants are also unbeaten in their previous four meetings with Wakiso Giants; actually they won three of them; 2-0 in February and 2-1 in December of 2022, and drew 0-0 in May 2023 before they recently won 3-0 in December 2023.
The goalless draws of January 2020 and May 2023 stand to this day as the only games between the sides not to have a goal scored.
This fixture has also produced 20 goals altogether, with BUL scoring twelve times against the Purple Sharks.
It has also produced a winner in seven games of the nine they have played.
Wakiso Giants have won three games, drawn three and lost six of their twelve matches on the road, tallying 12 points from a possible 36.
Their goal return away from home stands at 10 goals, and 17 conceded.
They have however won their previous two games – against Express and NEC FC, scored four goals and conceded only two.
After going five away games without victory, the Purple Sharks won 3-2 against Express in their last trip.
Match Officials
Ssemeere Asaduh has been selected to take charge of this clash as the center referee. He will be assisted by Kateregga Ashiraf and Lubwama Ivan. Musisi Henry will be the fourth official while Tomusange Ali will serve as the referee assessor.
Match Coverage
It’s a TV game but the proceedings will also be shared across all our social media channels throughout.
BUL FC earned a spirited point at Masindi stadium on Friday, as Abbey Kikomeko’s men refused another defeat.
Few people gave them a chance and hopes were understandably low following losses at home to UPDF and SC Villa but the team turned up against Kitara full of determination and recorded a 0-0 draw.
In an eagerly anticipated clash before kickoff, which would see the second take on the league leaders, a close contest was expected and that was how it turned out with both teams cancelling each other out in a match which almost had no clear cut chances.
The result leaves BUL in the second place with 40 points from 22 games. Their next task will be a home fixture against Wakiso Giants on 6th next month.
Starting XI:
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Hillary Onek, Emmanuel Obua, Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Pascal Ngobi, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Reagan Kalyowa (Ibrahim Orit 77’), Martin Aprem (Lawrence Tezikya 60’), Alex Kitata (Joel Madondo 85’).
Unused substitutes:
John Okurut, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Ibrahim Kazindula, Amos Kirya, Benon Tahomera.
BUL FC will be hoping it is indeed a ‘Good Friday’ as they hit the road to face current league leaders Kitara FC on Friday.
With the league on a pause due to the international break, it nearly means two weeks since the Eastern Giants last kicked a ball.
Things conspicuously turned south for BUL before the break as the team has practically picked only one league victory in 2024 but will be looking to make corrections and hit the form that had them rule the division in the first round.
They have ultimately dropped to the second place on the table with 39 points from 21 outings. So, it is now a case of the first versus the second, and with both sides separated by four points, there is plenty for BUL to play for.
Abbey Kikomeko’s lieutenants head to the battle field in Masindi on the back of a 1-0 home defeat by SC Villa the last time out but lest we forget they won the reverse fixture against the Royals 2-1 courtesy of Alex Kitata’s double in November.
Meanwhile, Kitara recorded their 13th league win of the season the last time out, running out 3-0 victors against URA FC.
Friday’s blockbuster clash is the fourth meeting between the teams.
Team News
BUL has been boosted by the return of defenders – Nicholas Mwere and Walter Ochora from suspension and shoulder injury respectively, but Douglas Muganga and Mathew Odong Tayo are still in the treatment room.
The team lost its last two games; however, coach Abbey Kikomeko Bogere said the technical team did a thorough analysis of the root cause, drew up a master plan with solutions to every challenge and has vowed to take the hosts to the abattoir.
“The boys are in good shape. We have rectified our mistakes after losing our previous two games against SC Villa and UPDF, and I think our performance in tomorrow’s game will be totally different. Come rain or sunshine, we shall get the three points from Masindi,” he said.
Forward Ibrahim Orit said;
“We are ready and everyone is fine. We had a poor run of results in the past three games but we are now determined to overturn the results. We are going to put in our best and take all the three points back to Jinja. I urge all our fans to come in big numbers because are going to make them proud tomorrow.”
Head to Head
P3 W2 D1 L0
Only three league matches have been played between these teams, BUL has two wins and one draw.
Previous three encounters
March 13, 2021
BUL FC 3-2 Kitara FC
May 12, 2021
Kitara FC 2-2 BUL FC
November 26, 2023
BUL FC 2-1 Kitara FC
Match Facts
BUL is the best side on the road this term having won five games, drawn four and lost two of their 11 away matches, collecting 19 points from a possible 33.
The Eastern Giants have scored 14 goals, conceded ten (10) and kept four clean sheets across the matches.
The two losses for Abbey Kikomeko’s men on the road were against UPDF (2-0) in November and Gaddafi (2-1) in January this year.
But since defeating Vipers SC 3-2 in December, BUL is winless in their past four away league matches – drawn three and lost one.
They have also won only one league game since the turn of the year and that was in the 2-1 victory over Bright Stars in early February – they have drawn four and lost three of their eight league games in 2024.
On their back are two consecutive 1-0 defeats to UPDF and SC Villa, the first time the club lost two games in a row – with all defeats coming in this month.
They have scored two goals and conceded three in their previous four away league matches.
However, BUL is unbeaten against Kitara having won two games and drawn one in three meetings with the Royals.
This fixture has produced 12 goals, with BUL having seven (7) to their account.
Kitara is the most inform side at home as they have won eight games, drawn and lost one apiece in ten matches at Masindi stadium. As a result, they have picked 25 points from a possible 30, scored 25 goals and conceded five in the process.
The hosts are unbeaten in their past seven games as they have won five and drawn two matches along the run.
They have kept four clean sheets in as many previous games, and scored five goals in them.
The Royals have lost four games so far – against Maroons, Vipers SC, BUL and Busoga United.
Match Officials
Okello Dick will take charge of the game from the center. Happy Badru and Mafumu Mustapha will officiate as the first and second assistant referees respectively. Outeke Daniel will be the fourth official while Nsubuga Faisal will be the referee assessor.
Match Coverage:
Although the game will be televised, our social media channels will relay minute to minute text commentary during play time. A match report and highlights will follow shortly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
