MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 1-1 MBARARA CITY

BUL FC and Mbarara City shared the spoils with the game that closed our first round ending 1-1 on Saturday.

The first half had little goal mouth action at FUFA technical centre despite producing two goals, with the Eastern Giants dominating possession but struggled to break the away team down in the opening moments.

To be sincere, there were minimal talking points in the opening 37 minutes – not until BUL broke the deadlock on 39^th minutes that the game breathed some life.

Gerald Ogweti had flashes of a standout striker as his bursting runs behind the defenders were a constant menace to the Ankole Lions whenever he had the ball.

With the game still level, Ogweti held up play from Martin Aprem, then made a half turn – leaving a gang of his markers in the shadow before finishing well in the bottom corner with a low ball to put BUL ahead.

Soon after the lead, the visitors threatened to restore parity when Isaac Amutuhairwe tried his luck from distance but goalkeeper Tom Ikara was equal to his effort.

With an initial three minutes added on, BUL looked like they were going to hold onto their lead into the break but Mbarara City scored on the run of play to level matters in the second minute of that added time through their captain Joseph Akandwanaho.

Henry Kitegenyi unleashed a scorcher that Ikara spilled into the path of the wide man and he made no mistake to plant the ball in an empty net.

After the interval, the Eastern Giants asserted their dominance and came out the blocks fast especially after the coach introduced Mathew Odongo, replacing Reagan Kalyowa.

His blistering pace created an instant impact, increasing the rhythm and flow of the game. Alex Kitata hit the bar from distance in pursuit of the winner, while Odongo also hit the side net moments after coming on following an excellent delivery from Martin Aprem. Shafik Kwikiriza went close off the bench before Ibrahim Mugulusi shot direct at the goalkeeper as the scoreline finished one apiece.

The result means BUL remains top of the tree with 33 points heading into the second round, holding a four-point advantage over second placed Kitara FC.

The Eastern Giants will open the second half of the season with a trip to Lugogo in February to play against KCCA FC in a 6:30pm kick off.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), George Kasonko (Shafik Kwikiriza 72’), Ronald Otti, Nicholas Mwere, Douglas Muganga (Ibrahim Mugulusi 78’),Gerald Ogweti, Jerome Kirya, Reagan Kalyowa (Mathew Odongo Tayo 45’), Martin Aprem (Samuel Ssekamatte 72’), Alex Kitata, Benon Tahomera.

Unused substitutes:

Emmanuel Obua, Ibrahim Kazindula, Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Allan Kiggundu.