The Eastern Giants are into the round of 32 of the Stanbic Uganda cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sparks Soccer Club.
Hillary Onek scored the decisive goal in the second half at the patchy Kirondo play ground in Mukono to set BUL’s title defense on perfect start.
Reagan Kalyowa and Ibrahim Mugulusi replaced Ivan Wani and Emmanuel Obua after the break with the game barren to provide the team with some momentum going forward.
Their impact was instantly felt when Kalyowa swung a diagonal cross from the left side into the box which Onek swept in first time to give BUL the lead they deserved on 51 minutes.
Richard Wandyaka put the ball in the net fourteen minutes later but his goal was cancelled out for an infringement in the build up.
The hosts woke up from their havens as they tried to look for away back into the game but they were put off by resilient defending from BUL.
Jerome Kirya paved way for Anthony Mayanja in the 80th before Walter Ochora came on for Wandyaka one minute to the end of the normal regulation time to add a mix of steel in the game.
The Eastern Giants then consolidated their dominance and they controlled proceedings untill the final whistle.
Isabirye’s side are the defending champions of the Uganda cup after beating Vipers SC 3-1 in the final last season.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara (GK), Douglas Muganga, Ronald Otti, Richard Ayiko, Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya, Richard Wandyaka, Emmanuel Obua, Hillary Onek, Martin Aprem, Ivan Wani.
Substitutes:
Saidi Keni (GK), Ibrahim Mugulusi, Walter Ochora, Anthony Mayanja, Aggrey Madoi, Reagan Kalyowa, Ibrahim Kazindula.