Bidco - BUL FC - Page 15

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC QUALIFY FOR SEMI FINALS

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.

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′).

Unused Substitutes:

John Okurut, Owen Mukisa

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC MEET SC VILLA IN UGANDA CUP QUARTER FINAL

Monday April 25

Kick off: 3PM

BUL football club take on SC Villa at Fufa Technical Center in Monday’s Stanbic Uganda Cup quarter final.

It’s a repeat of the 2014/15 semi final in which the Eastern Giants were taken apart 2-0 by Petros Koukouras’ side

Denis Kamanzi scored for the Jogoos at Kakindu stadium in Jinja, and Augustine Nsumba doubled their advantage in the return leg at Nakivubo in the semi final that was played over two legs.

**Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating with teammates**

The Eastern Giants will be looking to repeat their run to the 2021 final and are now just two more wins away from heading back to the ultimate stage of this knockout competition.

BUL rolled over Bundimasoli United without kicking a ball after the home side failed to turn up for the round of 64 tie in Bundibugyo but have since beaten Busoga United and Bright Stars to reach the last eight.

In contrast, SC Villa beat Super Eagles FC, Express and Onduparaka to book a spot in the quarter finals.

BUL FC were 2-1 winners when the two sides met in the league at the Fufa facility in November last year.

Musa Esenu was on the scoresheet twice for the Eastern Giants, while Isaac Ogwang came off the bench to score a consolation for the Jogoos in a game that saw the hosts reduced to ten men after Travis Mutyaba was sent off.

Overall, the two teams have met 23 times, producing five BUL FC wins, nine for SC Villa and nine draws

Team News

The Eastern Giants will miss Saidi Keni because of a knee injury. The game has come to soon for Simon Peter Oketch as well but the rest of the players are available for selection.

Coach’s opinion about the game:

Team manager – Alex Isabirye;

We expect this game to be tough because SC Villa is one of the most successful teams in this competition with nine titles.

Although they have been struggling in the league, they have been improving game by game in this competition. Therefore, the game will not be easy but we expect to win it.

Player’s remarks:

Walter Ochora

We are quite prepared and very ready, and we believe we shall win the game.

Match officials

Opio Deogracious has been appointed as the center referee. Omunyira Mathias and Eriada Hakim as the first and second assistant referee. Sajjabi Geoffrey will be the fourth official while Nelson Mubanda will serve as the referee assessor.

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 1-1 KCCA FC

Points were shared at Kyabazinga stadium on Wednesday evening following a one all draw with KCCA FC.

Ibrahim Nsimbe scored a beauty for BUL FC on 56 minutes but Davis Kasirye’s late equaliser denied us the maximum points.

**BUL FC players celebrating Ibrahim Nsimbe’s goal**

Both sides started brightly, drawing cheers from the stands even when much action was in the midfield as both sides battled to create in roads at either ends. But to say the least, chances in the first half were few and far in between.

KCCA’s Herbert Achai delivered two successive corners from the left but they were well dealt with by the Eastern Giants who took no prisoner.

An outswing on the second minute was met by Richard Wandyaka but his clearance rolled out for another corner, and desperate for an early goal, Achai found Arafat Usama in the box with the latter’s header traveling far and wide.

A few moments later, Innocent Wafula went behind Richard Ayiko and then sent in a fierce shot that Emmanuel Kalyowa first fumbled with before Walter Ochora made a good clearance.

It was then time for KCCA to feel the heat as the Eastern Giants moved through the gears and they almost took the lead on twenty minutes.

Jerome Kirya played a give and go with Umar Mukobe and the former produced a strong shot with his right foot from near the box but his effort was deflected for a corner.

BUL received another chance on 38 minutes when Ibrahim Nsimbe skipped his marker on the edge of the area; a tricky shot was driven into the ground but direct to Benjamin Ochan in KCCA’s goal.

Two minutes later, Kirya had another attempt from range only for it to miss the target.

The game had tempers high and saw the first booking make its way to Ayiko on just twenty eight minutes for a shove on Rogers Mato before Hillary Onek was also issued a yellow card after helping Denis Iguma to the ground as the first half ended goalless.

BUL’s first opportunity of the second half however came when Onek broke down the right-hand flank and delivered a dangerous ball into the area which Nsimbe connected well with from inside the area but Ochan stood tall.

Ibrahim Mugulusi in action today against KCCA

KCCA would thereafter come close to unlocking the deadlock following a counter attack on fifty minutes.

Davis Kasirye’s shot was parried wide by Kalyowa, and a few seconds later, Hassan Juruwa’s header rattled the bar before it was kicked away.

The visitors didn’t close their door as on 56 minutes, BUL put themselves ahead. A cross from Onek on the right was brushed into the path of Nsimbe who took a shot into the net for an opener.

But a chance opened up for the Kasasiro boys as well nine minutes later.

Denis Iguma tried a shot from outside the box and the ball was saved by Kalyowa, but it was far from safety as Mato brought in a rebound that the goalkeeper blocked again before the ball was cleared.

The away side continued to work out for an equaliser and their efforts were finally rewarded eleven minutes from time when Kasirye scored to rescue a point for his side.

The result leaves BUL in their third place but with 45 points after 26 games. Focus now turns to Uganda cup where they play away to SC Villa in the quarter finals on Monday next week at Fufa Technical Center.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC VS KCCA FC

Wednesday April 20

Uganda Premier League

Kick off: 4PM

Coming off the back of contrasting results in their last week’s outings, BUL Football Club and KCCA FC converge at Kyabazinga stadium on Wednesday for an important Uganda Premier League encounter.

**BUL FC first eleven that featured against KCCA in first round.**

The Eastern Giants beat Gaddafi FC 2-0 in the barracks with Hillary Onek and Jerome Kirya producing the goals, while Morley Byekwaso’s side slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Vipers SC at Lugogo.

The first meeting between these two sides saw KCCA run 3-1 winners in Kampala but things have changed since then.

Isabirye’s side is apparently third on the table with 44 points, just two behind the Lugogo side, and three points for them from this clash would be vital at this stage of the season as they would see them leapfrog their Wednesday visitors to the second place.

This will be the 19th league tie between the Eastern Giants and KCCA.

What they said:

Team News Goalkeeper Saidi Keni and Waiter Ochora will be available for selection after recovering from injury while George Kasonko and Simon Peter Oketch are still nursing a knock and knee injury respectively

Team manager – Alex Isabirye:

“We lost 3-1 to them in the first round but this will be a different game because we are improving game by game under the guidance of an excellent group of coaches.”

“Therefore, this game will not be like it was in the first round, and I am expecting a very good show.”

“They are ahead of us by two points, and they are one of the best teams in Uganda with a quite a good number of trophies but we are also building a team that will win trophies in the next seasons. That is why we are trying to compete now.”

“Generally, tomorrow’s game may entirely not be so easy but we expect to win it because we are at home.”

Walter Ochora:

“The boys are ready to get the maximum points according to the preparations we have had. I have just come from injury but I am set to put up a strong fig

Last time out

April 15, 2022

Gaddafi FC 0-2 BUL FC

Hilary Onek and Jerome Kirya scored in either half to give BUL FC a deserved 2-0 win over Gaddafi FC.

Onek brashed in Ibrahim Mugulusi’s corner kick on 13th minutes, and Kirya sealed the win with a final nail with eleven minutes left on the clock.

Head to Head

P18 W4 D5 L9

This fixture has produced 18 meetings between the two teams, resulting into four wins for BUL, nine for KCCA and five draws.

Previous Meeting

December 01, 2021

KCCA FC 3-1 BUL FC – Lugogo

Musa Esenu scored a beautiful goal with a few minutes left to play but it was more of a consolation after Innocent Wafula had given KCCA FC a halftime lead before Davis Kasirye, and Charles Lwanga scored two goals in a space of three minutes in the second half to put the game beyond our reach.

Wafula picked a loose ball outside the box and sent it into the top corner of the net to give the hosts the lead on the stroke of halftime.

The Eastern Giants could have levelled the game on 68 minutes after referee Shamirah Nabadda awarded us a penalty when Wafula brought down Esenu in the goal area but Joseph Ssemujju fired it over the bar

On 77 minutes, Lwanga netted a sole effort goal after he picked the ball from far and skipped our rearguards to score a second for his side.

Joseph Bukenya had an exchange with Herbert Achai before the latter set up Kasirye to sweep home their third goal ten minutes from time.

BUL FC pulled one goal back through Esenu in the 93rd minute but a come back couldn’t be realized.

Last four encounters

December 01, 2021

KCCA FC 3-1 BUL FC

April 02, 2021

KCCA FC 3-0 BUL FC

Februry 12, 2021

BUL FC 2-1 KCCA FC

October 8, 2019

BUL FC 3-0 KCCA FC

Match facts

BUL FC have won eight, drawn and lost two apiece in 12 home matches this campaign to collect 26 points from Kyabazinga stadium, the third best home record in the league.

The Eastern Giants have scored 25 goals and conceded seven only across those games

Isabirye’s men are also unbeaten in their past five outings, winning three and drawing two.

And they have won their last four home matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding one only.

The Eastern Giants have also won their last two games when home to KCCA, winning 2-1 and 3-0 in February of 2021 and October of 2019 respectively.

KCCA have won their past two meetings with BUL FC but they have won just once in their last eight away games.

Despite losing just one game on the road this season, the Kasasiro Boys have managed four wins only in 12 trips, drawing seven to gather 19 points.

Their last six games have produced one win only, four draws and one loss.

Match officials

Bakasambe Rajab will be the man in the center. Agil Tonny and Ichilla Samuel are his first and second assistant respectively. Muzamir Waiswa will be the fourth official.

MATCH PREVIEW: GADDAFI FC VS BUL FC

Friday April 15

Gaddafi Arena

Kick off: 2PM

BUL football club is back in action over the Easter Period as Alex Isabirye’s side face a trip to Gaddafi FC in the Uganda Premier League on Good Friday.

It’s a huge and a vital fixture for both sides; the Eastern Giants aim to get back into the top four after being leapfrogged by Express whilst the Soldier Boys as well are praying for a positive result from this face off to further their distance from the scramble for survival.

The Eastern Giants have not lost in their past five matches, and will arrive in the barracks fresh from the wonderful 2-0 win over URA FC at Kyabazinga stadium last time out, and to add to what already looks a fascinating contest, the third position is possible for Isabirye’s men this Friday given they are just two points off URA. That means victory is the least the team will want from this tie.

As for the Soldier Boys, they are winless in seven games, sitting in 9th position with just 28 points, four places behind BUL who are fifth with 41 points.

The Eastern Giants previously met Mubarak Wamboya’s side early in the 2021/2022 season, Alex Kitata’s goal looked to have given the Soldier Boys the points before an improved display from BUL deep in the second half saw Richard Ayiko score a late equaliser.

This will be the second league meeting between the two sides.

Team News

Isabirye has confirmed five players will miss this contest. Saidi Keni is still out with a knee injury while Ibrahim Kazindula, Fredson Gwoto, Simon Peter Oketch and Walter Ochora have joined him in the pysio room.

What they said:

Team manager Alex Isabirye:

“We are playing against a team fighting relegation but we are now used to playing such sides because we have previously played against Busoga United, Mbarara City and Bright Stars, but this time, it’s a derby and that makes it a tough game.”

“But we are ready and we expect to win.”

“And as I always tell you, we are trying to build a team that will compete for trophies in the next seasons.”

Ibrahim Mugulusi:

“A derby match is always hard to play and I don’t expect this one to be any different but we are well prepared, and we are confident about getting a good result from this game.”

Last time out

Monday April 04

BUL FC 2-0 URA FC

Richard Wandyaka bagged a brace as BUL FC beat URA FC 2-0 at Kyabazinga stadium. Wandyaka brought down an inviting cross from Hillary Onek on 33 minutes for the opener before sealing the win on 55 minutes with a sublime finish following a flick from Karim Ndugwa.

The visitors had chances of their own but they failed to convert.

Head to Head

P3 W1 D2

This fixture has produced three meetings. BUL have won once while two games (friendly matches) ended in a draw.

Previous Meeting

November 28, 2021

BUL FC 1-1 Gaddafi FC

Gaddafi took a surprise lead through substitute Alex Kitatta but Richard Ayiko scored a late equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw for BUL FC at Kyabazinga stadium on Sunday afternoon in Bugembe.

Kitatta squeezed the ball through Saidi Keni on 58 minutes following a well laid pass from Brian Kalumba to break the deadlock.

But BUL’s fine moment arrived with five minutes left on the clock, from about 35 yards, Ayiko sent a teasing cross that found it’s way past goalkeeper Ronald Mutebi to level the game, and the goal ultimately earned the Eastern Giants a point from the derby.

Match facts

BUL FC have won three games, drawn six and lost three from their 12 away matches to collect 15 points on the road.

The Eastern Giants are unbeaten in their past five games, winning three and drawing the other two

BUL have also scored in 11 of their 12 away league matches, the only blank page being the 3-0 defeat to Bright Stars in March. The 12 matches have borne 19 goals and 20 conceded.

But Isabirye’s men have gone seven trips without winning in the league, drawing five and losing twice in that course, with the last victory coming in December last year against Tooro United

This is the second competitive but fourth meeting between the two teams, matters were even on the first league encounter in late November last year but the Eastern Giants can point to a 1-0 win and a two all draw from their previous two friendly matches.

Gaddafi FC have won five games, drawn four and lost three from their 12 home league matches.

But the Soldier Boys are winless in their previous seven matches, drawing four and losing three times across those games.

Match officials

Ssali Mashood has been appointed the center referee for this clash. He will be assisted by Agil Tonny and Obua Tobby as the first and second assistant referee, while Mpyangu Siraji will serve as the fourth official.

How to follow the game

The match will be live on Sanyuka television. Alternatively, BUL FC fans can also follow all the action on our:

Facebook page – BUL Football Club-Jinja

Twitter – @bulfc1

NEWS: TWO PLAYERS SIGN CONTRACT EXTENSIONS.

Full back Aggrey Madoi and midfield schemer – Ibrahim Mugulusi have each signed a two year contract extension with BUL football club.

**Ibrahim Mugulusi renewing his contract**

Both players’ current contracts were set to expire in June and July 2022 respectively.

Madoi said,

“I am excited because my contract has been renewed. I now promise to play better and help this team move forward and perform better as well.”

“This gesture by the club shows how much they trust me, so, I will give them what they expect from me.“

**Aggrey Madoi signing his contract extension at BUL FC.**

Mugulusi was equally elated to extend his stay at the club.

“This is a wonderful feeling because it means the club sees the best in me. I am now pretty sure I will do more here at this club in these two years,” he said.

Team manager – Alex Isabirye commented:

**Manager Alex posing with Ibrahim Mugulusi**

“Madoi has done a tremendous job this season, adding to his excellent performances last season when we were fighting relegation.”

“Mugulusi has not featured in many games this season but he is a good player.”

Madoi and Mugulusi are firm fan favourites at Kyabazinga Stadium having made a positive impact since they arrived at the Eastern Giants in 2020.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC VS URA FC

Uganda Premier League

Kyabazinga stadium

Kick off: 4PM

It’s the Eastern Giants versus the Tax collectors on Monday evening as fourth placed BUL football club host second placed URA FC in a mouth watering clash at Kyabazinga stadium.

**BUL FC players posing for a line up photo**

BUL FC go into the game looking to build on the recent back to back draws over Busoga United and Mbarara City, and with just seven matches remaining, it’s an important three points up for grabs as the Eastern Giants look to cement a top four finish this season.

Alex Isabirye’s men have recorded ten victories, eight draws and five losses from 23 matches to date, with 38 points there to be shown for that feat.

URA come into the game with a seven game unbeaten streak, while their last defeat can only be traced two months back when they lost 1-0 away to KCCA FC in early February.

Both sides settled for a two all draw on their first meeting in November. Steven Mukwala opened the deadlock for URA, Shagik Kagimu extended their advantage after the interval but BUL FC responded with a resilient show as Musa Esenu and Joseph Semujju struck in the second half to draw the game level.

This will be the 22 meeting between the two teams.

Team News

Pascal Ngobi will miss this encounter because of suspension but there is some good news. Goal keeper Saidi Keni is working on his way to recovery and will be subjected to a late fitness test to see if he can feature tomorrow.

What they said:

Team Manager – Alex Isabirye:

This is another tough game. URA is ahead of us with five points clear. Therefore, we need to work hard and try to reduce that gap. We have gone two matches without a win but this time we are at home and well prepared. So, I believe we shall win the game.

Richard Wandyaka said that, ” we expect to win the game because we are so much prepared,” and asked the fans to turn up in big numbers.

Last time out

March 28, 2022

Mbarara City 1-1 BUL FC – Kakyeka Stadium

BUL FC played out a one all draw with Mbarara City at Kakyeka Stadium last Monday.

Solomon Okwalinga put the Ankole Lions in front with a first half strike but Ibrahim Nsimbe scored late on 79 minutes to deny them maximum points.

Henry Kitegenyi should have put Mbarara City ahead in the early moments of the contest but put his effort from inside the box over the bar.

Okwalinga finally headed the hosts into the lead off Steven Othieno’s cross on the stroke of half time.

Five minutes after the break, Seiri Arigumaho failed to convert his chance as he shot straight at Emmanuel Kalyowa while through on goal.

And Nsimbe showed him how to score with a well-deserved equalizer for BUL FC eleven minutes from time.

Head to Head

There have been 21 league meetings between BUL FC and URA since November 2011, resulting in two BUL FC wins, 10 URA victories and nine draws

Previous Meeting

November 20, 2021

URA FC 2-2 BUL FC – Arena of visions

Joseph Ssemujju scored a late penalty to equalise for the Eastern Giants in the 2-2 draw with URA at the Arena of Visions.

Steven Mukwala scored as early as the third minute for the tax collectors and Shafik Kagimu put them 2-0 up just two minutes after the break.

But Musa Esenu halved the deficit with a fine goal in the 58th minute and with the game looking like URA’s, Viane Ssekajugo handled in the box and Ssemujju struck from the penalty spot to win a point for the Eastern Giants.

Last four meetings

January 15, 2020

BUL FC 1-3 URA FC

December 15, 2020

BUL FC 0-2 URA FC

April 16, 2021

URA FC 3-1 BUL FC

November 20, 2021

URA 2-2 BUL FC

Match facts

BUL FC have won seven, drawn two and lost two games from their 11 home league matches this season.

In their last nine matches at Kyabazinga stadium, the Eastern Giants have won six, drawn twice and lost once.

Isabirye’s men have also kept eight clean sheets from 25 outings across all competitions this campaign.

The 25 matches have borne 47 goals while 29 have been conceded.

BUL have two wins only against URA in the league and all the victories were identical scores of 1-0, the first occurred in April of 2016, whilst the second happened in February 2018

Of the nine stalemates in this fixture, five were one all draws. two were goalless, while the other two were two all draws.

URA FC have the second best away record in the league after winning four, drawing five and losing two games to collect 17 points from their 11 trips.

And they have won three times against BUL from their last four meetings.

But the Tax collectors have won once in their last four away matches this season.

How to follow the game

The clash will be live on Sanyuka television but our fans can follow our social media channels as well for minute by minute updates.

Facebook: Bul Football Club –Jinja

Twitter: @bulfc1

Instagram: bulfc1

MATCH REPORT: MBARARA CITY 1-1 BUL FC

BUL football club have settled for a one all draw from their visit to Mbarara City at Kakyeka stadium on Monday.

Ibrahim Nsimbe scored for the Eastern Giants to even the game on 79 minutes after Solomon Okwalinga had put the Ankole Lions in front in the first half.

**BUL FC starting line up against Mbarara city**

This contest was understandably cagey as both teams worked hard but scoring chances were sparse, with BUL’s only close attempt in the opening period coming on 11 minutes when Jerome Kirya launched a beautiful shot but it agonizingly went wide.

The first half looked like ending barren and all square but Okwalinga floated in the air to head home for his side off Steven Othieno cross in added minutes after the normal 45.

We were lucky not to go two down after the recess when Seiri Arigumaho missed a chance on 50 minutes.

**Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating after scoring in the 79th minute**

Five minutes later, the Eastern Giants moved through the gears and menaced City’s defense.

Nsimbe got in behind but Muhammad Ssekebba in Ankole Lions’ goal was quick to come to their rescue.

On the hour mark, the forward saw another effort from him miss by inches, with Richard Wandyaka also putting his header wide two minutes later.

After being paddocked in their own half for the large parts of the second half, Mbarara City tried to push forward and came close to doubling their lead with a quarter hour left on the clock. Sadat Nsubuga picked out Swalik Bebe, but he could only fire his effort over the bar from close range

The most important moment arrived on the 79 minutes when Nsimbe scored to restore parity for BUL FC, and it proved to be the last goal in the game.

The result has seen the Eastern Giants move to 38 points after 23 matches, one point better of Arua Hill SC who are in a neck’s distance from us on the table.

URA FC is our next opponent one week from now at Kyabazinga stadium.

Starting XI:

Emmanuel Kalyowa, Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, George Kasonko, Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya, Martin Aprem, Hillary Onek, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Richard Wandyaka

Substitutes:

John Okurut, Aggrey Madoi, Ibrahim Kazindula, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Simon Peter Oketch, Ambrose Kirya,UmarOthieno’s

MATCH PREVIEW: MBARARA CITY VS BUL FC

It’s a third back-to-back away trip for the Eastern Giants across all competitions in a space of just one week as we travel to Kakyeka stadium to take on Mbarara City this Monday.

BUL are unbeaten in their last three games after a vital home win over Tooro United was followed up by victory in Uganda cup and a share of the spoils away at Kakindu stadium last time out as the Eastern Giants held Busoga United to a point.

**BUL FC players posing for a photo in a league game.**

The Eastern Giants will be looking to secure their eleventh UPL victory of the season, having already beaten the Ankole Lions at the Kyabazinga stadium back in November of the previous year.

Ibrahim Nsimbe’s 65th minute strike proved to be decisive that day and there can be no doubt that the team will be looking for a repeat on Monday.

BUL is currently fourth on the table with 37 points from 22 matches, only ahead of Arua Hill SC on goal difference, meaning that their destiny of a top four finish is in their own hands and if they have the chance to defeat Mbarara City by a heavy margin, then they must take that with both hands.

From their 22 fixtures so far, the Ankole Lions have taken 18 points from a possible 66, and they are four points from safety as they sit 15th on the 16 team log with eight matches remaining.

With them having not won any of their last 12 games, they will also be hoping to improve their form between now and the end of the season to boost their bid of trying to escape the drop zone.

Matches between the two sides have often been closely-fought affairs, with this being their tenth meeting since 2017.

Team News

Captain Saidi Keni is still out with a knee injury and striker Karim Ndugwa will miss the game due to accumulated yellow cards. The rest of the squad is available for selection.

What they said

Coach James Magala
We are playing Mbarara city tomorrow the game will be tough we didn’t have enough time from our previous game against Busoga United to recover but the boys are ohk and we will do our best to win the game.

Hillary Onek
We thank the Almighty for the journey mercies to Mbarara, we are here for a mission and that’s winning our tomorrow’s game the team is in good condition and morale is high. We corrected our mistakes we made in the last game and we are winning tomorrow.

Last time out

March 25, 2022

Busoga United 1-1 BUL FC

The closely contested Jinja derby went to the dawn with scores all square.

Busoga United looked like marching away with all the three points after Isaac Wagoina had given them a first half lead but the Eastern Giants staged an onslaught in the second half, with their efforts paying off one minute from fulltime, thanks to Karim Ndugwa’s goal in the 89th minute.

Head to Head

P9 W3 D3 L3

There has been nine meetings between these sides, and the encounters have produced three wins for BUL, three for Mbarara City and three draws.

Previous Meeting

November 02, 2021

BUL FC 1-0 Mbarara City

We got our third victory of this campaign against the Ankole Lions in Jinja. Ibrahim Nsimbe came off the bench to score the winning goal five minutes off the hour.

The forward dispatched a fine volley past advancing goalkeeper Muhammed Ssekeba off an inviting delivery from the right flank by roving wingback Umar Mukobe. The result put the Eastern Giants to third position on the table.

Last four meetings

November 02, 2021

BUL FC 1-0 Mbarara City

May 9, 2021

BUL FC 1-1 Mbarara City

March 17, 2021

Mbarara City 1-1 BUL FC

February 26, 2020

Mbarara City 1-0 BUL FC

Match Facts

BUL FC has won three matches, drawn five and lost three games away from home, and has scored 18 goals and conceded 19 in those matches.

The Eastern Giants have lost just twice in their past six trips in the league, but their previous league victory on the road was in December last year against Tooro United.

BUL’s three league victories away from Kyabazinga stadium this campaign have been over sides wrestling relegation – Onduparaka, SC Villa and Tooro United, Mbarara City is second from the bottom of the 16 team log, four points from safety.

Isabirye’s side is unbeaten in the last three meetings with the Ankole Lions, won one and drawn two. And the previous slump to Mbarara City happened two years ago, a 1-0 loss at Kakyeka stadium in February 2020.

But BUL is winless in their past four visits to the Ankole Lions. They have lost three and drawn one game, conceded five goals and scored just two at the other end.

Two players only have managed to score for the Eastern Giants when visitors to Mbarara City. Jean Pierre Muhindo found the net in our 2-1 defeat to the Mbarara side in April 2018, and the second is Simon Peter Oketch after he scored in the one all draw in March 2021.

This fixture has produced 17 goals since 2017, and BUL has 10 to their name.

Of the 11 matches at home this term, Mbarara City has wrapped up four wins, five draws and lost just two to collect 17 points from Kakyeka stadium.

The Ankole Lions are unbeaten in their last four home league matches – drawing all of them, with the previous loss in the league at Kakyeka occurring in late December last year to Gaddafi FC.

Two teams only have inflicted defeated to Mbarara City at Kakyeka stadium in the league this campaign- Gaddafi FC and table leaders – Vipers SC.

But they are winless in their past 12 outings, drawn five and lost seven matches. Their last victory was a 3-2 win over Onduparaka in December 2021.

They have also scored just one goal in their past five games, and allowed in five.

MATCH REPORT: BUSOGA UNITED 1-1 BUL FC

Karim Ndugwa’s 7th goal of the season sealed a 1-1 sweet draw with Busoga United at Kakindu stadium on Friday.

Most of the action was in the middle of the park for large parts of the first half as both sides tried to stamp authority onto the thrilling contest.

**BUL FC starting lineup against Busoga united**

Busoga United got the derby rolling with neat passing and direct approach, and just a few minutes after kick off, Isaac Wagoina made an attempt which was cleared by Richard Ayiko.

Their efforts paid off just after six minutes when Wagoina scored to drive them into the lead.The winger was at the receiving end of a high ball off Elvis Ngonde’s tempting corner kick that he pressed first time for it to deflect off some bodies before spinning past Emmanuel Kalyowa in BUL FC’s goal.

The Eastern Giants steadied themselves and went on the front foot in search for an equaliser.

Richard Ayiko’s effort from a free kick from nearly 30 yards was saved by Busoga United’s goal keeper Andrew Sekandi.

And as half time approached, Ibrahim Nsimbe was in the path of a flicked ball from Ndugwa and the forward looked to get in on the goal-scoring action, forcing Sekandi into a save down low on the left as the Eastern Giants edged closer to a getting a leveller.

Manager Alex Isabirye tweaked his team swiftly after the recess, with Martin Aprem replacing Ibrahim Mugulusi on the 46th minute, and eight minutes later, it became a Jerome Kirya show after the midfielder replaced Ibrahim Kazindula.

BUL dominated play with Kirya the chief architect as he picked up balls from defense and acted as the gateway to Busoga’s area with silky passes.

The Eastern Giants dominated the proceedings with never ending pressure and we would have Hillary Onek link up very well with Ndugwa but the later’s ball into box was blocked for a corner.

Aggrey Madoi had an effort go wild as the Eastern Giants laid siege in the host’s half before Ndugwa’s attempt from inside the box was well held by the goal keeper.

After numerous efforts, the Eastern Giants finally froze a hot Kakindu stadium with a late equaliser on 89 minutes.

Ndugwa got in behind Busoga’s defense following an over the top ball and lofted the leather over the on-rushing Sekandi to score in an empty net which left the home team almost breathless.

The draw sees BUL football club tighten grip on the fourth place on the table with 37 points after 22 matches. Next is a trip to Mbarara City on Monday March 28.

Starting XI

Emmanuel Kalyowa
Richard Ayiko
Walter Ochora
Aggrey Madoi
Pascal Ngobi
Ibrahim Kazindula (Jerome Kirya 54′)
Simon Peter Oketch
Hillary Onek (Reagan Kalyowa 83′)
Ibrahim Mugulusi (Martin Aprem 46′)
Ibrahim Nsimbe (Richard Wandyaka 63′)
Karim Ndugwa

Unused Substitutes:

John Okuruti
Umar Mukobe

Ambrose Kirya