Holders BUL FC have been tasked to play third tier team Sparks Soccer Club at the round of 64 in the Stanbic Uganda cup.
The draw for the 49th edition of the second most prestigious competition in Ugandan football was conducted on Tuesday at FUFA house in Mengo.
BUL FC squad that won Stanbic Uganda cup last season.
BUL will travel to Mukono to play the regional league side between January 28th and February 6th, 2023.
Team manager Alex Isabirye has reacted on the draw and he said Sparks may not be a cup of tea despite trading in the lower division as compared to the Eastern Giants.
“I don’t think the draw with Sparks is an easy one,” he said.
“Every team that participates in Uganda cup can win the trophy, and BUL FC has ever failed to progress from the round of 64 at the hands of a team from Mukono – that was against Seeta United about five years ago.”
But he will brilliantly organize and perfectly attune BUL to nullify every possible threat Sparks may pose when his side travel.
“We know little about that team but we shall try to research and know what they can do and what they can’t do.”
“Qualifying for the next round is our prime target in this tie and this will need us to do all what’s possible to achieve that.“
“Although it’s always had to defend the Uganda cup with one team, I will try with the help of God to do it with BUL and I believe we can win it for the second consecutive time.”
The Eastern Giants are the current cup holders after beating Vipers 3-1 in the final held in Masindi last season and they are currently second on the Uganda premier league table with 27 points while Sparks compete in the Sezibwa group of the Buganda regional league.
There have been plenty of positives in the Eastern Giants 2022/23 campaign so far, and after a run of eight wins in fourteen matches, the hopes of the best of the rest finish is very much alive.
It would not be an overstatement to say it has been a fantastic season for BUL as Alex Isabirye’s second full term in charge sees the Eastern Giants sat second at the halfway point.
Following a fourth place league finish, and success in the Uganda cup last season, further strengthening of the squad was done in the previous transfer window and the expectations are high for the Eastern Giants to better last campaign’s achievements, and they are apparently living up to the expectations to say the least.
But results on the road have been laid under the scan although our good home form put us into the title contention bracket going into the remaining 14 games.
It was a fine start in the opener against new league entrants, and winning 5-0 at Blacks Power catalysed the feel-good vibes amongst everyone at the club, and the 3-1 victory over UPDF that followed saw the Eastern Giants soar up the table, dominating it for close to 49 consecutive days.
The 1-1 draws at URA and Gaddafi failed to wreck our charge at the top as the precious 1-0 win over SC Villa in between them left us with three wins from five to start the campaign although Walter Ochora was red carded in our contest with the Soldier Boys.
Another 1-0 win at Onduparaka kept the spirits high, but a dampening 1-0 defeat at Express antagonized our progress.
As we were still celebrating the 2-0 beating of Busoga United, and the fine home showings patching the cracks on the road, the away form crushed into ruin once again as Bright Stars fetched a 2-0 win at Kavumba recreation grounds.
But our 2-1 triumph at Fufa Technical Center steadied the ship as we edged Wakiso Giants to keep up our push for the top positions.
The long trip to Arua yielded a 1-0 advantage over Arua Hill before KCCA halted our perfect home record as we drew one all at the FTC.
Another tiresome outing away from Jinja ended in defeat as Vipers came from behind to march to a 2-1 win at St. Mary’s stadium.
However, the ultimate chance before the halfway mark came, and the 5-0 win over Maroons at home avenged our previous road collapse.
Fourteen games down, Fourteen to come, and we are second on the table with 27 points out of a possible 42.
As it stands, the Eastern Giants are in no way a write-off, and we can not be put out of the title discussion if we can thread the half term form to the second round.
Leading goal scorers
Thirteen players combined to produce BUL’s twenty four (24) goals; Karim Ndugwa leading with six and Richard Wandyaka following closely at a tally of four. Jerome Kirya, Vicent Zziwa as well as Ibrahim Kazindula have two goals individually.
Frank Kalanda, Ibrahim Nsimbe and Walter Ochora have one goal each, with Martin Aprem, Ronald Otti, Ivan Wani and Hillary Onek also sharing the same record.
Second round
Blacks Power will be the visitors when we begin the second round on February 10 at Fufa Technical Center before a trip to Bombo for a clash with the military side UPDF eleven days later.
It was a fine end of the first round for the rampant and unforgiving BUL FC team as they thumped Maroons 5-0 in the league at FUFA Technical Center on Wednesday evening.
It was a superb first half for the Eastern Giants who went in at half-time firmly in the driving seat thanks to the outstanding strikes from Martin Aprem and Ronald Otti, with the latter scoring his first goal for the club.
Ivan Wani added a third as we remained in control in the second-half, and Ibrahim Kazindula came off the bench to find the back of the net before Hillary Onek wrapped up the huge victory.
BUL FC starting line up against Maroons
Both teams were battling hard in the middle of the park at the beginning of the contest and not an inch was being given, but a moment of quality from BUL soon broke the deadlock.
Aggrey Madoi threaded a superb low ball to find Onek whose carpet sweeping cross allowed Aprem a first-time shot to give the Eastern Giants a deserved lead four minutes off the half hour mark.
Karim Ndugwa thought he had doubled BUL’s lead three minutes later when Wani flicked the ball with his back heel to set him on the run but referee William Oloya had already whistled signaling an infringement in the build up.
But the Eastern Giants eventually did double their advantage on the stroke of halftime thanks to Otti who was teed up by Onek before dispatching a powerful header past Simon Tamale in Maroons goal.
Before then, things were already worse for the visitors who were forced to put off David Ndihabwe early in the 9th minute, replacing him with Arafat Kakonge. Solomon Walusimbi saw his effort from near the area go wide while Brian Nkuubi missed from a freekick as Maroons failed to account for the rare opportunities they created.
Ibrahim Mugulusi and Kazindula were thrown in the fray in the second half, and BUL were playing nice football, dominating possession and they were in total control of the game, and they were a danger every time they attacked.
Mugulusi and Aprem shots trickled wide but it wasn’t long before the duo did damage again, Mugulusi crafted a pass down low to Aprem whose tempting cross was poorly cleared by Tamale for Wani to tuck in the third goal for the Eastern Giants.
The floodgates were left open and Isabirye’s men were playing with a real swagger and confidence, and they added to their lead once again with Kazindula getting at the end of Aprem’s well weighted cross into the box to extinguish any hope of a come back from the visitors.
The move started with BUL launching a swift counter-attack with Mugulusi slipping in Aprem who showed off his skill to dart down the flank before beating a gang of men and producing a brilliant low cross for the midfielder to fire in his second goal of the season.
It was then Onek’s turn to join the party when he dispatched a fierce shot from range to beat the goalkeeper, and it was 5-0 for BUL
Ronald Orombi came close moments later and almost pulled one back for Maroons in the 77th minute but his efforts missed at the far post.
Solomon Walusimbi was then felled down by Douglas Muganga near the edge of the box before Abraham Tusubira fired high the resultant freekick, and that was game over for them.
It was the eighth win for the Eastern Giants who were brilliant from start to finish, and their attacking flair proved to be the difference on an entertaining evening in Njeru.
Defender Hillary Onek
The result leaves BUL in second place on the table with 27 points, only two from pacesetters KCCA. The second round for the Eastern Giants will kick off in early February next year, and Blacks Power will be the visitors at Fufa Technical Center.
Starting XI: Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK), Douglas Muganga, Ronald Otti, Aggrey Madoi, George Kasonko (Allan Kiggundu 75′), Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Mugulusi 46′), Vicent Zziwa (Ibrahim Kazindula 46′), Karim Ndugwa, Martin Aprem, Hillary Onek, Ivan Wani (Frank Kalanda 75′)
Wednesday December 21 Uganda Premier League FUFA Technical Center Kick off: 4pm
BUL host Maroons in our ultimate match of the first round on Wednesday, as we look to bounce back from our defeat to Vipers three days ago.
Two games without victory is something Alex Isabirye is not taking lightly, therefore as we move ahead to the match, BUL will aim to rediscover our winning touch at home after our faultless home record was halted by KCCA a week back.
The Eastern Giants are five points behind leaders KCCA, winning seven of our 13 league encounters and netting 19 goals in the process. Generally, we have been excellent to watch so far and we thus sit fourth on the table with 24 points.
Maroons come into this one off the back of a dramatic one all draw at Express, and their away record has not been all that fancy as they have failed to record even a single win on the road this campaign – leaving them 10th on the log with 15 points.
Should BUL secure all the three points, we will be just two points from the league summit, and into the third place.
Team News
Defender Walter Ochora sustained an injury in the defeat to Vipers and will have to sit out this one, joining Denis Mwemezi on the sidelines.
Ronald Otti missed out last time due to injury but he is back in contention.
Thoughts about the game.
Alex Isabirye said, “We want to move at least a position up and therefore, we need to get the three points.”
Vicent Zziwa:
“This is a very crucial game. It’s not going to be easy but we need to win this one given that we lost our previous match,” he said.
“It’s very clear we have never lost at home and we need to maintain that run. Generally, every player is in the right condition for the match and we expect to win.”
Defender Walter Ochora
Head to Head
In the last seven years, the sides have clashed eight times, resulting into six BUL wins and two for Maroons.
Last four encounters
January 18, 2020
Maroons 2-0 BUL FC
October 1, 2019
BUL FC 2-0 Maroons
January 30, 2019
BUL FC 1-0 Maroons
October 30, 2018
Maroons 1-2 BUL FC
Match facts
BUL have the third best home record in the league after winning five and drawing one to gather 16 points from a possible 18 in six home matches.
The Eastern Giants have also scored ten goals at home and conceded only three, keeping three clean sheets in the process.
Of the 18 goals in the last eight games between the two teams, BUL have thirteen (13) to their account.
Maroons have lost their last four visits to BUL, and without scoring a goal – 2-0 (2016), 2-0 (2018), 1-0 (2019), and 2-0 (2019).
They are one of the worst travellers this campaign, having collected only three points from a possible 18 as a result of their three losses and three draws in six away engagements.
Match Coverage:
Follow the action through our social media channels for the minute to minute updates about the game.
Our last away match of the first round served up a bitter evening when a BUL lead was overturned by Vipers to subject us to a third defeat of the season.
The early moments of the first half were going well when Karim Ndugwa scored his sixth goal of the season while other chances were also being created, with the mesmerizing Vicent Zziwa the archetect of the fancy play at that stage.
BUL FC start list against Vipers.
But by half-time, it was the hosts who were infront as Milton Kalisa tucked in a rebound to level matters after Bright Anukani’s initial effort was saved by Saidi Keni in BUL’s goal, before Cromwell Rwothomio scored what turned out to be the match winner for his side, three minutes off the half hour.
Alex Isabirye looked for a quick response after the break and tweaked his side as early as the 46th minute with Ivan Wani replacing Walter Ochora, however, the equalizer avoided the Eastern Giants.
Instead, it was the Venoms who almost stretched their lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute.
Douglas Muganga was judged responsible for Karisa’s falling in the box and the referee pointed to spot but Keni saved Anukani’s kick from there to keep the margin tight.
Isabirye’s men continued to push and push for an equalizer but it was not to come.
BUL FC players celebrating Ndugwa’s goal.
BUL remains third on table despite the result but only on goal difference as they count the tally of 24 points individually with Wakiso Giants and SC Villa.
Maroons are our next opponents come Wednesday next week as we wind up the first round.
Starting XI:
Saidi Keni (G.K), Walter Ochora (Ivan Wani 46′), Douglas Muganga, Aggrey Madoi, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Kazindula 80′), Hillary Onek, Vicent Zziwa (Richard Wandyaka 60′), Martin Aprem, Karim Ndugwa, Ibrahim Nsimbe (Frank Kalanda 60′)
Saturday December 17 Uganda Premier League St .Mary’s Stadium Kick off: 2PM
BUL play away to Vipers SC on Saturday afternoon looking to keep pace with the leading lot in the Uganda Premier League.
The Eastern Giants make the trip to St. Mary’s sitting third and tied on 24 points with their second placed opponents in the standings.
Defender Hillary Onek
There is only a further five points to the top spot for both teams who are separated by a goal difference of only four at the time of writing – highlighting the narrow margins that are involved in the battle for this season’s title.
Having won only two games from six away matches, Alex Isabirye can not accept any more lapse from his side at the moment.
BUL produced a much-needed improved display in Arua to win 1-0 at Arua Hill after going four games without victory off the Fufa Technical Center, before they registered a 1-1 draw with pace setters KCCA at home last time out.
Isabirye’s side now have some confidence coming into this encounter having thrown the poor run to the bin, and their frying of Vipers in June’s Uganda cup final provides encouragement to the Eastern Giants who will approach Saturday’s clash with faith.
However, the venoms have put together a respectable run at home, going for 20 games in more than a year without defeat at St Mary’s stadium.
Team News
BUL are boosted by the return of centre back Walter Ochora to training but he will have to be assessed for match fitness before being considered.
The Eastern Giants will however be without Ronald Otti, play maker Ibrahim Mugulusi and former venom – Denis Mwemezi due to injuries.
Before the contest, which some have dubbed as a grudge match, manager Alex Isabirye was optimistic and even said we have to beat teams like them if we are to remain on the table of men.
“It is not going to be easy but we expect to win as we are going to give all we can to get all the three points,” he said.
“They are a strong team who we believe want to retain their title but we also want to be counted among the strong ones, thus we have to play teams like them and even get points off them.”
“The target is to remain in the top positions although Vipers match is going to be really tough.“
Captain Saidi Keni said;
“Everyone wants to play that game. It’s really big and everyone wants to be part of it. We are prepared and everyone is set to give in everything possible to win against the defending champions.”
Head to head
The teams have faced off on 23 occasions in all competitions since 2011, producing three wins for BUL, fourteen for Vipers and six draws.
Last four encounters
September 26, 2021 – (Uganda cup final)
Vipers SC 8-1 BUL FC
January 08, 2022
Vipers SC 1-1 BUL FC
February 09, 2022
BUL FC 1-3 Vipers SC
June 12, 2022 (Uganda cup final)
Vipers SC 1-3 BUL FC
Match Facts
From six away matches, BUL have won two games, drawn twice and lost two matches to pick up eight points from a possible 18.
Isabirye’s side has won one game in their past five trips, scoring three goals, which totals to eight goals in the six matches on the road with five conceded along the course.
BUL’s three victories against the Venoms were far in between as the first was in February 2014 (BUL 2-1 Vipers SC), the second arrived two years later in April 2016 (Vipers SC 0-1 BUL FC) before the unforgettable triumph in Uganda cup followed six years on ( Vipers 1-3 BUL).
This fixture has produced a total of 54 goals and BUL have 17 to their name since 2011.
Only six stalemates have come in the games involving the sides, and four were goalless.
Vipers have the best home record so far in the league after winning five games and drawing one to gather 16 points from a possible 18, same tally as KCCA and the Eastern Giants but the Venoms have not leaked a goal in six home matches this season.
They are 20 consecutive games unbeaten at St. Mary’s stadium in all competitions, that is a period of more than a year since they were last beaten Infront of their own fans by URA in November 2021.
The Venoms have also kept 13 consecutive clean sheets in their past thirteen outings at St. Mary’s stadium.
Oliveira’s side has won this tie fourteen times, with eight coming at home.
They also have the best defense so far in the division as they have conceded three goals only in twelve matches.
Match Coverage:
This mouthwatering meeting is live on television and all our social media channels will relay a minute to minute text commentary concurrently.
Vincent Zziwa’s first-half goal was cancelled out in the second half by Julius Poloto as we had to settle for a draw against KCCA at FUFA Technical Center.
The stylish midfielder netted his second goal of the season, sweetly connecting with a deflection off Brian Majwega, to give us an early lead in the eleventh minute.
But we failed to build on the advantage going forward and the away side forced the game level when Allan Okello slotted in a teasing ball for Poloto to head in barely a minute after the break.
It ended our five-game home winning run and was also our third stalemate in twelve matches, leaving us third on the table with 24 points and only behind Vipers on goal difference.
BUL to say the least enjoyed early attacking pressure against the Kasasiro Boys and went close inside only seven minutes through Zziwa’s curling freekick which caused havoc in KCCA’s defense before Jerome Kirya tested Benjamin Ochan.
And even after falling behind, Morley Byekwaso’s side continued to be a subject of untold threats from Zziwa’s deliveries from set pieces, calling Ochan to action quite often.
BUL FC players celebrating Zziwa’s goal
The Eastern Giants almost doubled their lead on twenty minutes played when the goalkeeper’s poor clearance following a Zziwa corner fell in the path of Kirya but the midfielder couldn’t keep his effort below the bar.
KCCA’s first genuine chance of the afternoon fell to Kagawa Ssenoga when he met Brian Majwega’s pass through the middle, however, his shot from inside the box was easily held by Emmanuel Kalyowa in BUL’s goal.
Kasasiro Boys were starting to enjoy a share of the possession although there was little in the way of end product.
They again came close to scoring the equalizer three minutes to halftime as Majwega swerved a cross into the box and onto the head of Poloto before the Eastern Giants cleared their lines.
Finally their efforts paid off just seconds into the second half when they got BUL off guard after a quick restart.
Martin Aprem in action
Following a fast break, Okello burst on the right wing and his boot found Poloto who fired in a header past Kalyowa to restore parity for his side
BUL then geared up to seek a winner; Martin Aprem cut into box and freed Karim Ndugwa who lost his balance for the ball to roll out with the goal at his mercy.
Shortly, Kirya flipped to beat Filbert Obenchan on his slide to lay for the unmarked Richard Wandyaka whose attempt from range sailed wide before KCCA’s Rogers Mato clipped the upright although Kalyowa was already beaten.
There were some nervy moments but not enough to worry Alex Isabirye’s men as the visitors surged forward and BUL had Douglas Muganga to thank in the 77th minute when he cleared substitute Tshisungu Kankode’s effort off the line to deny KCCA a second goal.
KCCA endured a difficult ending to the game as BUL threatened with an onslaught, but the Eastern Giants could not find a late winner, and both sides were forced to settle for a point.
BUL are back in the league action on Saturday when they travel to St. Mary’s stadium for a meeting with Vipers.
BUL FC starting line up against KCCA
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK), Hillary Onek, Douglas Muganga, Aggrey Madoi, Jerome Kirya (Reagan Kalyowa 82′),George Kasonko, Martin Aprem, Vicent Zziwa (Richard Wandyaka 59′), Ivan Wani (Frank Kalanda 82′), Karim Ndugwa, Ibrahim Nsimbe.
Substitutes:
Saidi Keni (GK), Benon Tahomera, Emmanuel Obua, Ibrahim Kazindula,
Tuesday December 6 Uganda Premier League Barifa Grounds Kick Off: 4PM
We are back in action this Tuesday as we travel to West Nile to face Arua Hill at Barifa.
BUL won against Wakiso Giants last time out but they were quiet in their past four away fixtures, stressing the want to put an ear splitting performance come Tuesday to turnaround the off-putting run.
Just two points gathered since defeating Blacks Power at the beginning of October shows how wins have been elusive for Alex Isabirye’s side on the road, but they are encouraged by last season’s tally of four points from their 2021/22 meetings with Arua Hill.
After ten matches, the Eastern Giants currently occupy fourth place in the league with 20 points, Arua Hill are four points down in sixth.
However, the Leopards seem to have found groove after stringing two wins on the bounce as a response to their awful performance before the victories.
This gives them a sense of renaissance ahead of their third meeting with BUL.
Team News
Defender Ronald Otti and Ibrahim Mugulusi join Denis Mwemezi on the sidelines because of injuries but Alex Isabirye still have plenty of options to fill the void.
In his pre match briefing, the coach said he anticipates a tough challenge from The Leopards.
“Arua Hill recently won away to Express and they are generally in good form, making tomorrow ‘s encounter a hard one,” Isabirye said.
George Kasonko also sees the Arua team as a strong force but BUL is set to throw the strongest jab in the contest.
“We are ready to fight for the three points given that we are in good conditions. We arrived safely and we are prepared to take on Arua Hill who we believe are strong despite their new status in the league,” Kasonko said.
Head to Head
P2 W1 D1 L0
The sides have flexed twice, and BUL have won one and drawn one.
Last two encounters
December 28, 2021
BUL FC 4-0 Arua Hill
February 16, 2022
Arua Hill 2-2 BUL FC
Match Facts
BUL have won one, drawn and lost two apiece in five away matches this season.
They have lost their past two away matches without scoring a goal, 1-0 to Express and 2-0 at Bright Stars.
Last time out, the Eastern Giants beat Wakiso Giants 2-1 but have not won two consecutive matches since mid October.
Isabirye’s men have scored six goals of the eight involved in their previous contests with the Arua side.
After losing four games in succession, Arua Hill have won their past two games – 2-1 against Onduparaka and 1-0 over Express.
Since December 2021, they have won 13 games and drawn three in 17 home league matches, with the 1-0 defeat to SC Villa in November 2022 the only dark spot in their good home run.
Altogether, the Leopards have lost two games only in 20 home league matches in their close to one and a half seasons in the topflight.
Match Coverage:
Follow the action through our social media channels for the minute to minute updates about the game.
BUL beat Wakiso Giants 2-1 in a match which burst into life in the second half at the FUFA Technical Center.
Vincent Zziwa’s first goal and assist for the club were enough to get BUL all the three points after Walter Ochora’s opener was cancelled by Ambrose Arinda.
There was little sign of what was to come during uneventful first half in which neither side really threatened the opposition goalkeeper
BUL FC players celebrating Waiter’s goal
But after the break, the game kicked into gear, and it was BUL who knocked on the door when Zziwa, who had replaced Ibrahim Mugulusi midway the first half, showed his skill set near the area before Jerome Kirya’s shot from inside the box was blocked.
Moments later, the visitors overwhelmed Ochora on the right with Frank Ssebuufu going through and into the box and it needed the swiftness of substitute Douglas Muganga to put the ball behind for a comer.
At this moment, It was end to end as both sides looked for the opener.
BUL crancked up the pressure and went Infront on 59 minutes when Aggrey Madoi’s long range thunder bolt was flicked out into corner.
Zziwa swung in the resultant set piece and it was met by Ochora who leaped high to power in a strong header past Samson Kirya in the Purple Sharks’ goal to throw the stands into wild celebrations.
Vincent Zziwa
However, Arinda dragged the contest level with twelve minutes left on the clock when he headed in Moses Aliro’s corner from the right flag. By this time, it was game on for the visitors.
But BUL was not ready to settle for just a mere point, committing numbers upfront and finally earned the winner five minutes later. Ochora was involved in the build up as his long throw found Richard Wandyaka who laid for Zziwa to roll in through many bodies and into the net.
Wakiso Giants then tried to push for an equaliser again through a barrage of attacks and corners but sadly for the Purple Sharks, they just fell short.
Martin Aprem in action
The Eastern Giants will next be in action on Tuesday next week against Arua Hill at Barifa.
Starting XI: Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK), Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti (Douglas Muganga 46′), Aggrey Madoi, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Mugulusi (Vincent Zziwa 34′), Jerome Kirya (Anthony Mayanja 87′), Martin Aprem (Owen Mukisa 90+3), Ibrahim Nsimbe (Ivan Wani 87′), Richard Wandyaka, Hillary Onek.
Unused substitutes: Saidi Keni (GK), Richard Ayiko.
