MATCH PREVIEW: MAROONS VS BUL FC

Saturday May 27, 2023

Uganda Premier League

Maroons Vs BUL FC

Prisons Grounds

Kick-off: 3PM

BUL FC will be targeting to end this campaign on a positive note when they travel to Luzira prisons grounds for a Uganda premier league match with Maroons on Saturday.

The Eastern Giants at this hour lie eighth in the table, while the prison warders are in fifth with 40 points, one behind Arua Hill in fourth place.

BUL looked like winning their first game in thirteen matches on Tuesday, as they frustrated Vipers and also took charge of the game midway the second half but Bright Anukani scored a last minute penalty at FUFA technical centre for the Venoms to deny Simeon Masaba his first win at the club. 

There is no getting away from the fact that it has largely been a low season for the Eastern Giants, who have won eight, drawn 11 and lost eight of their 27 league games to count 35 points, which is only enough for eighth position in the table going into the final fixtures of the season.

They finished fourth last season but this time, BUL can only finish as high as the seventh place if they win but can also drop as low as 10th with a defeat here if other results go against them.

Team News 

BUL remain without the services of rocky defender Walter Ochora and midfielder Emmanuel Kalyowa due to injuries. But those are the only absentees for this match, with the rest of the players available and ready for selection.

Walter Ochora is injured

It’s now or never for the Eastern Giants to win a game in the second round this season as this is the ultimate match of the campaign.

Coach Simeon Masaba is aware of the improvements the opposition side have made since losing to BUL in December and will employ a secret tactic that will give BUL the edge over Maroons who have proved to be very stubborn at home of recent.

“The boys have prepared well and ready for the encounter,” coach Masaba said.

“In the first leg, we beat Maroons 5-0 but we are not banking on that for this game because they have improved alot since that loss, and they are even ahead of us in terms of points.”

“But we are going to see how we handle them and get the positive results.”

Samuel Ssekamatte said;

“It’s yet another game for us on Saturday. it’s a big one as well.”

“Looking at where we have come from, there has been alot of improvement for the boys in the last five games.”

“I believe if we carry the same positive attitude we exhibited against Vipers to Maroons, and if we use the same character like in the previous games, we are going to get the win.”

“It’s long now ever since we last won and we are going to do our best to get the victory although it’s not going to be easy.”

“Having lost to us in the first round, they are coming to revenge but I believe the boys are prepared for the challenge.”

 Head to Head

In the last seven years, the sides have clashed nine times, resulting into seven BUL wins and two for Maroons.

Last four encounters

October 1, 2019

BUL FC 2-0 Maroons

January 30, 2019

BUL FC 1-0 Maroons

October 30, 2018

Maroons 1-2 BUL FC

December 21, 2023

BUL FC 5-0 Maroons

Match facts

  • BUL have collected eleven points from 13 away matches as a result of two wins, five draws and six losses, scoring eleven goals and conceding thirteen in the process.
  • Although the Eastern Giants have gone 13 league games without winning, they have lost once in their previous six matches, drawing in five and keeping clean sheets in two.
  • The 1-0 win over Arua Hill in December remains the only victory for BUL away from home and the team has since lost four games and drawn three in their past seven trips.
  • Of the 23 goals in the last nine games between the two teams, BUL have eighteen (18) to their account.
  • It’s two wins for each team in the previous four BUL treks to the prison warders.
  • From a possible 39 points, Maroons have picked 26 as a result of their seven wins, five draws and one loss in 13 home matches.
  • In the process, they have also scored 18 goals and conceded eight, and standing out as one of the four sides with the best home record this campaign after losing only one game from Luzira.
  • Since the 3-1 loss to Blacks Power in December, Maroons are unbeaten in nine matches at the prisons grounds, winning five and drawing four games there.

Match Coverage

Follow the action through our social media channels for the minute to minute updates about the game. 

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MATCH REPORT: KCCA 1-0 BUL FC

BUL’s four game unbeaten run has ended with a 1-0 defeat at KCCA FC on Tuesday in a Uganda premier league clash at Philip Omondi stadium.

The only goal of the game for the hosts came on thirty five minutes from the spot.

Allan Okello picked himself up after being fouled in the box to slot past Tom Ikara to gift the Kasasiro boys the lead which they zealously held on untill the end.

It was a day to forget for BUL as second half substitute – Anthony Mayanja left the pitch on a stretcher, thirty four minutes after coming on and was replaced by Richard Wandyaka.

Barely four minutes after coming on, Emmanuel Obua missed the chance to equalize for the Eastern Giants when all through and clear at goal with his shot traveling wide.

Goalkeeper Ikara was then called to action by Charles Lwanga from a free kick following a foul from Douglas Muganga late in the game.

Consequently, the result has stretched BUL’s winless run to twelve league games, dropping to ninth in the table standings and on 34 points with two matches remaining.

Vipers SC are the visitors on Tuesday next week at FUFA technical centre before we end the season with a trip to Maroons four days later.

Starting XI:

Tom Ikara (GK), Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 63′),Jerome Kirya (Emmanuel Obua 85′), Hillary Onek, Reagan Kalyowa (Anthony Mayanja 46′ Richard Wandyaka 79′), Ibrahim Nsimbe (Innocent Rwothomio 63′), Martin Aprem, Ronald Otti. 

Unused substitute:

Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK)

MATCH PREVIEW: KCCA FC VS BUL FC

Tuesday May 16, 2023

Uganda Premier League

KCCA Vs BUL FC 

Lugogo

Kick-off: 4pm

On Tuesday, BUL will travel to the capital to face title chasing KCCA in the penultimate away game of the Uganda premier league campaign.

The Eastern Giants come into the showdown on the back of a 0-0 draw at Arua Hill, while the hosts also fired blanks away to Express two days ago.

In the reverse fixture, BUL were denied the victory at FUFA technical centre by Julius Poloto’s late strike which cancelled out Vicent Zziwa’s first half goal for the Eastern Giants as the sides settled for a 1-1 draw in December.

They now meet at a moment where there is still everything to play for on both sides.

BUL is nolonger in the title discussion and still not in the battle for survival but a run of 11 games without a win is worth not a celebration.

It’s arguably a concern that Coach Simeon Masaba will try to arrest in a blink of an eye from this moment, and jostle to pick the first league win before the season ends.

For KCCA, it’s 46 points for them, same as leaders Vipers and third placed SC Villa after 25 rounds and all are left with three games to fight for the crown.

Meaning they need to pick up every point there is to pick to remain in the already tight title race that is even more hotter than ever.

Team News

Aggrey Madoi will not recover in time for this clash, the coach confirmed but there still remains a wide pool of players to select from.

With just hours to the game, the Eastern Giants are brimming in confidence, saying that the time to win again has come and that the stakes are high that we shall.

“We have prepared the boys very well to see that we can have a good game and possibly win it,” coach Simeon Masaba said.

“The boys are in good spirits and they have been training well.”

“We haven’t won any matches in the second round but we still have three matches to go.”

“So we can still win starting tomorrow. It’s possible and I believe we are going to win.”

“We expect to win this game,” Vicent Zziwa said.

“Basing on the training sessions we have got, every player is in good shape and set to play.”

“We haven’t won a game since the second round began but our heads are still up. We expect and believe we shall win tomorrow’s game.”

Head to Head

P20 W4 D7 L9

It’s 20 meetings between the two teams, resulting into four wins for BUL, nine for KCCA and seven draws.

Last four encounters

December 13, 2022

BUL FC 1-1 KCCA

April 20, 2022

BUL FC 1-1 KCCA

December 01, 2021

KCCA FC 3-1 BUL FC

April 02, 2021

KCCA FC 3-0 BUL FC

Match Facts

  • BUL have collected eleven points from 12 away matches as a result of two wins and five draws as well as losses, scoring eleven goals and conceding twelve in the process.
  • Although the Eastern Giants have gone 11 games without a win, they are unbeaten in their previous four matches – keeping clean sheets in two.
  • They are also unbeaten in their past two meetings with KCCA, drawing 1-1 in April and December 2022.
  • However, they last beat KCCA in early February 2021 in a 2-1 victory at Kyabazinga stadium.
  • KCCA have won eight and drawn four games out of their 12 home matches this campaign, the second best home record in the division.
  • On that course, they have scored 27 goals and leaked 13, earning 28 points in return.
  • They are also unbeaten in their previous four meetings with BUL, winning and drawing two games apiece.
  • But the Kasasiro boys have however not won in their past three outings, drawing two and losing one.

Match Coverage

The game action will be live on television. Alternatively, follow our social media channels for the text commentary from the off.

Twitter: @bulfc1

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MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 0-0 ARUA HILL

BUL FC and Arua Hill played out a stalemate in a Uganda premier league action at FUFA technical centre.

Despite much probing for an opening by BUL, the affair was unable to produce a winner as the game ended 0-0 by the sound of the final whistle, the first goalless draw between the teams.

The Eastern Giants had the better of the play and chances in the first half, but a breakthrough was hard to come by.

Much of BUL’s attacking play was directed down the right as Douglas Muganga, Hillary Onek and Martin Aprem combined to good effect, and a cross from Onek threatened to create the breakthrough on thirteen minutes, but Ibrahim Nsimbe was just unable to get clean contact on the inviting cross.

There was then a chance for Jerome Kirya as he was picked up when near the edge of the area but his deflected effort was easily collected by goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa. 

Fine margins went against Simeon Masaba’s men once more when Ibrahim Kazindula’s pass off the outside of his boot found Nsimbe before Omedwa came out live again.

After the break, Onek went the closest to breaking the deadlock on 50 minutes, meeting Reagan Kalyowa’s lofted pass into the box with his header missing inches past the post.

There were efforts from distance by Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Ibrahim Kazindula and Anthony Mayanja which sailed over the bar while Nsimbe saw another two chances evaporate.

Arua Hill’s sole realistic chance in the game arrived nineteen minutes to the final whistle through substitute Jacob Kamwesiga who weaved into the box before sending his shot out.

A goal ultimately proved elusive for both sides, and the teams were forced to settle for a point each.

BUL, who remained 8th on the log with 34 points, will hit the road next week for a face off with KCCA FC on Tuesday.

BUL FC XI:

Saidi Keni (GK),Douglas Muganga,Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 61′), Reagan Kalyowa (Anthony Mayanja 61′), Hillary Onek, Martin Aprem, Ibra Nsimbe (Vicent Zziwa 76′)

Unused substitutes:

Emmanuel Kalyowa, Emmanuel Obua, Pascal Ngobi, Paul Sekulima.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC VS GADDAFI FC.

Wednesday March 29, 2023
Uganda premier league
FUFA Technical Centre
Kick-off: 4pm

Having come short in all games of the second round, BUL seek a first win in the second half of the season against Gaddafi FC on Wednesday when the neighbors meet in a pulsating Jinja derby at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

BUL drew to Blacks Power and UPDF before losing to URA and SC Villa since the second round began, there by slipping off the title chasing patch and into the third place.

Simeon Masaba’s men are now six points behind leaders KCCA having won eight, drawn and lost five games apiece to collect 29 points from 18 rounds.

Whilst the results have not been coming BUL’s way, things have not been any better for Gaddafi.

The Soldier boys were held to a goalless draw last time out against Express, the 11th time they failed to win a game this season.

As a result, they dropped in the table standings as their 23 points from 17 matches can only be good for the tenth position.

Both sides settled for a 1-1 stalemate in the reverse fixture, with Gaddafi denying BUL the three points through Bakali Magumba when he cancelled out Ibrahim Kazindula’s penalty goal in the second half. This will be the fourth league meeting between the two teams.

Team News

Ronald Otti remain on the sidelines due to an injury while the head coach revealed Jerome Kirya and Reagan Kalyowa will be subjected to late fitness tests to determine their availability for the game.

Derbies at times present the unthinkable but coach Simeon Masaba is expecting his side to come out unscathed.

We started the second round badly, we even lost our last league game to SC Villa in Lira. But we have tried to correct the mistakes we did in the previous matches,” he said

We have also prepared the boys very well to see that they can play this game brightly.

Ofcourse we know it’s a derby game, anything can happen and we come expecting the intensity of the game to be high but we are going to try to control the game so as to have it in our favor.”

Ibrahim Kazindula said;

We have never lost a game to Gaddafi since they were promoted to the super league, so we shall build on that advantage to win this game given that we are even more prepared. Fans should come to cheer us on expecting a win,”

Head to Head

In the three competitive meetings between BUL and Gaddafi, there has been one BUL win and two draws

Previous Meetings

November 28, 2021

BUL FC 1-1 Gaddafi

April 04, 2022

Gaddafi 0-2 BUL FC

October 25, 2022

Gaddafi FC 1-1 BUL FC

Match Facts

BUL’s nine home matches have produced six wins, two draws and one defeat – tallying 20 points from a possible 27, the fourth best home record in the league this campaign.

But the Eastern Giants have not won any of their four second round games, losing the last two 1-0 to URA FC and SC Villa.

Actually in eight league matches, BUL have won only one – when they beat Maroons 5-0 in December last year.

However, the Eastern Giants are unbeaten against Gaddafi after winning one game and drawing two of the three clashes between the sides.

Of the six goals scored in this fixture, BUL have four.

This season, Gaddafi have won and drawn one apiece, and lost six matches thus getting only four points from a possible 24 after playing eight away games.

The Soldier boys have also not won their last three matches, with their previous outing ending in a 0-0 draw with Express.

As a matter of fact, they have lost all their last five away matches.

Match Coverage

The game will be live on Sanyuka tv 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.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH PREVIEW: SC VILLA VS BUL FC

Tuesday March 21, 2023
Uganda Premier League
SC Villa Vs BUL
Akibua memorial stadium
Kick-off: 2PM

The Eastern Giants head to the Akibua stadium this Tuesday to take on SC Villa in a mouthwatering Uganda premier league clash.

BUL will be targeting a return to winning ways following a disappointing run of three matches without victory in the league ever since the second half of the season started.

It’s a top three clash as the Jogoos and the Eastern Giants meet, with two points separating the two sides.

BUL FC starting line up against Villa in the stanbic Uganda cup last weekend

A record of eight wins, five draws and four defeats from 17 matches has seen BUL collect 29 points, which is enough for the third position in the table, two points behind their hosts in second place.

The Eastern Giants won 1-0 in the reverse game earlier this term, and went on to beat them again with the same score in the round of 32 of the Uganda cup.

Richard Wandyaka and Ibrahim Nsimbe were on the score sheet for BUL at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

But SC Villa are actually unbeaten in the league since early December, winning five of their last seven during a brilliant run of form.

Jackson Magera’s side are showing strong form at an important stage of the season, however, they will enter this match off the back of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of their visitors in Uganda Cup.

Team News:

BUL will be unable to call upon the services of; Ronald Otti, Reagan Kalyowa and George Kasonko with the trio sidelined because of injuries. Striker Ibrahim Nsimbe will also miss the trip to Lira because of a suspension.

Coach Simeon Masaba is thinking the success in the immediate last game can bring the momentum heading into this game and that the team can arrest the current poor run in the league.

The camp is okay. The morale is high and the previous win against Onduparaka motivates us, coming into this game with energy,” he said.

We are going to do what we are supposed to do because we need to win.”

We started the second round badly and we need to improve as soon as possible. Therefore, we are going to ‘fight’ with SC Villa to see that we win tomorrow’s game.”

Emmanuel Kalyowa has said the players have been prepared to do their job well.

We are ready to face SC Villa,” the midfielder said.

We have had very good preparations and the coaches have given us enough tactics.

We know the task may not be easy but it’s our job, we have to confront it with zeal to see that we get the three points.

Head to Head

From the 27 matches across all competitions, this fixture has produced nine wins for BUL, nine for SC Villa and nine draws.

Last four meetings

April 24, 2022 (Uganda cup)

SC Villa 1-2 BUL FC (AET)

May 22, 2022

BUL 1-0 SC Villa

October 22, 2022

BUL FC 1-0 SC Villa

March 11, 2023 (UG Cup Replay)

BUL FC 1-0 SC Villa.

Match facts

BUL have won two games, lost and drawn three matches apiece to have a count of nine points from a possible 24 in eight away league matches.

On the road this season, they have scored ten goals and conceded eight.

The Eastern Giants have also won once in their past six league matches, drawing three times.

But Simeon Masaba’s men have won nine times in this fixture with four victories coming away from home.

To add on that, the Eastern Giants are unbeaten in their last twelve meetings with the Jogoos.

45 goals have been scored in this fixture since 2011 and the Eastern Giants have a share of 22.

It’s close to five years since SC Villa last beat BUL in the league, and that was the 1-0 victory in November 2017.

After losing their first two matches at Akibua memorial stadium, SC Villa have won three on the bounce since shifting to Lira in November last year.

They have also kept three clean sheets along their seven match unbeaten run in the league, scoring in each of them.

The Jogoos have dropped only six points at home this campaign, tallying 18 points from a possible 24 in eight matches – the fifth best home record in the division.

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.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH REPORT: ONDUPARAKA FC 0-1 BUL FC.

BUL FC coast into the quarter finals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup at the expense of Onduparaka, putting the Caterpillars to the sword in a ruthless second half that saw the hosts outclassed at Green Light stadium on Wednesday.

Martin Aprem’s cool finish on the 80th minute mark separated the two sides to earn BUL a 1-0 win and through to the last eight.

BUL FC players celebrating Martn’ s goal

It was a tight contest in the first half, with few chances that were far between as both teams finished the game with ten men.

BUL’s Emmanuel Kalyowa was sent off midway the first half for foul play but the 45 minutes gave way to an event full second period dominated by the Eastern Giants who were denied a goal fifteen minutes to time for offside by Ibrahim Nsimbe.

The Eastern Giants however remained tall and a few moments later, Martin Aprem scored the all important goal to break the deadlock.

Onduparaka’s Rashid Okocha was also sent off late in the game for unsporting behavior as BUL cruised to victory.

Next up, is a Uganda premier league away clash with SC Villa for the Eastern Giants on Tuesday in Lira.

BUL FC starting line up against Onduparaka

Starting XI:

Saidi Keni (GK), Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko, Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Kazindula, Hillary Onek, Emmanuel Kalyowa, Ivan Wani, Richard Wandyaka, Ibrahim Nsimbe.

Substitutes:

Tom Ikara (GK), Aggrey Madoi, Anthony Mayanja, Vicent Zziwa, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Martin Aprem, Samuel Ssekamatte.

MATCH PREVIEW: ONDUPARAKA VS BUL FC

Stanbic Uganda Cup – round of 16

Onduparaka Vs BUL FC

Green Light Stadium

Kick-off: 4PM

BUL FC will be bidding to book a spot in the quarter finals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup when we visit Onduparaka on Wednesday at the Green Light stadium in Arua.

Former roving full back and ex international – Simeon Masaba is currently in charge of the Eastern Giants on an interim basis, replacing coach Alex Isabirye who was allowed to try his luck at Vipers SC last Saturday when we qualified to this level.

Ibrahim Kazindula in action

There is no getting away from the fact that BUL have endured a wretched start to the second round of the Uganda premier league – not winning any of our three games of the second half of the season but we have flexed our muscles in this competition thus far against all odds.

Hillary Onek ensured the Eastern Giants began the cup defense well when he scored the lone goal at the round of 64 against Sparks SC in Mukono, before we were ordered to play SC Villa twice at the next stage.

In the replay, Ibrahim Nsimbe’s beautiful finish showed the world the force we are as BUL bundled SC Villa in the hand bag again to record another sweeter 1-0 win in the most fashionable way to majestically progress to the round of 16 after the initial victory was annulled by the FUFA Competitions Disciplinary Panel (CDP).

Onduparaka are however at the bottom of the Uganda premier league table and they are at the edge of facing relegation having picked up ten points from their 17 games.

BUL FC players celebrating Ibra Nsimbe’s goal against Villa

But they have been in impressive form in the Cup this season.

They kicked off their cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Packwach Young before picking up a comfortable 2-0 away win over Junior Eagles, with Dominic Abonga and Denis Ojara getting on the score sheet for the Caterpillars in Soroti.

BUL beat Onduparaka 1-0 at FUFA technical centre in the league last year, and this will be fourteenth meeting between the sides in all competitions.

Team News:

Midfielders – George Kasonko and Pascal Ngobi missed the tie against SC Villa and this game has also come too soon for them because of injuries. Meanwhile, Simeon Masaba is left with a big pool of players who are fully fit and committed to deliver when called upon.

Coach’s quotes

The boys are prepared enough to see that we go through this Stanbic Uganda cup match,” coach Simeon Masaba said.

“It’s a tricky game but we are going to see that we work hard to see that we seal it to the quarter finals.”

We have to work as a team to motivate players and see that their attitude is good as well because their work rate on the pitch will give us the energy and the win tomorrow.”

Player’s quotes

We are prepared to win this game,” captain Saidi Keni said.

“Everyone is in the right shape and all the players have been psyched to win tomorrow’s game.”

Midfielder Ibrahim Mugulusi in action.

Head to head

BUL and Onduparaka have met on thirteen occasions in the past. BUL have won six contests, with the Caterpillars winning two and the sides drawing five times.

Match Coverage:

All our social media channels will be very active for everyone to follow as we relay full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report and match highlights.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 0-1 URA 

BUL’s unbeaten run at home in the league has been stopped by URA in a Uganda premier game at FUFA technical center in Njeru.

The Eastern Giants have been nearly invisible – winning eleven games out of fifteen (15) league matches at home before today, with the run stretching back to February 2022 when we lost to Vipers SC at Kyabazinga stadium.

But Ibrahim Dada scored the only goal in the game for the tax collectors as BUL lost on Saturday infront of our own fans to break the record.

Striker Ibrahim Nsimbe sending a life threatening thunderbolt from range

It was arguably a game of two halves and with high intensity which saw the first half ending with the teams going in the break on level terms.

Despite enjoying plenty of possession in the early moments, URA failed to find a way past BUL goalkeeper Saidi Keni.

Their first chance arrived when Derrick Ndahiro appeared to have been tripped by Hillary Onek near the box with the referee awarding them a free kick which Joshua Lubwama managed to float into the area but Alfred Leku was flagged offside before he could pose any threat.

Midway the half, another chance fell to Leku when he beat Douglas Muganga to the ball after a fierce battle on the right side but an extra heavy touch by him was comfortably claimed by Keni before the lanky forward failed to anticipate James Begisa’s low cross moments later.

It took the Eastern Giants until the 18th minute to threaten URA’s goal area as Nafian Alionzi was forced to come off his line to parry away Onek’s cross, while Ibrahim Nsimbe’s yellow card on the stroke of half time was the only other highlight for Isabirye’s side.

BUL however emerged from the break fully charged, dominating proceedings while creating chances but it looked like they had forgotten their scoring boots in the dressing room.

Emmanuel Kalyowa running the show in the midfield as URA’s Saidi Kyeyune looks on in awe

After coach Alex Isabirye called the changes, introducing Emmanuel Kalyowa, Richard Okello, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Innocent Rwothomio and Paul Ssekulima, BUL contained the visitors in their own half for large spells of the second half only that hard luck befell them in the final minutes.

Okello and Kalyowa gave the team rythm while on the front foot as Onek and Obua pulled the strings from the wide areas.

It was not too long until Ibrahim Nsimbe thought he had finally put BUL infront on 51 minutes with a low drive from inside the box off Obua’s delivery but his effort was cancelled for offside.

The striker then hit the side net twice midway the second half while BUL’s penalty claims when the forward was floored inside the area disinterested the referee.

Youthful wing back Hillary Onek takes Saidi Kyeyune on a tour around the turf

Ibrahim Kazindula rattled the bar from range as the Eastern Giants continued to look for a break through which was never to come.

URA meanwhile looked dangerous on the counter with the first warning coming when Keni was forced to spill infront of Saidi Kyeyune but the goalkeeper sprung up swiftly to reclaim the ball from the midfielder’s boots.

The tax collectors eventually bleached BUL’s defense five minutes from time through Ibrahim Dada who scored in an empty net as Keni was beaten following a fast break from Sam Timbe’s men.

This was the first defeat at home for Isabirye’s team in a period of twelve months since February last year.

Focus now turn to the Uganda cup replay with SC Villa the coming weekend at FUFA technical center.

BUL’s starting XI against URA

Starting XI:

Saidi Keni (GK), Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, Ibrahim Kazindula, Jerome Kirya, Hillary Onek, Richard Wandyaka, Emmanuel Obua, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Samuel Ssekamatte.

Tom Ikara (GK), Paul Ssekulima, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Emmanuel Kalyowa, Innocent Rwothomio, Richard Okello, Shafik Kwikiriza.

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC Vs URA FC

Saturday March 4, 2023

Uganda premier league

FUFA Technical Center

Kickoff: 4PM

The Eastern Giants host ninth placed URA at FUFA technical center in a Uganda premier league action on Saturday evening.

BUL were denied victory in the reverse fixture when George Ssenkaaba’s last gasp strike for URA cancelled out Jerome Kirya’s first half goal as the sides drew 1-1 at Nakisunga Ssaza grounds in mid-October last year.

Alex Isabirye’s men are however second on the table with 29 points from 16 matches, and they will seek to maintain their nearly faultless run at home when the tax collectors arrive in Njeru.

The two one all draws against KCCA and Blacks Power remain the only dark spots todate in BUL’s awesome showings which have produced six wins in eight home matches this season.

Their encouraging form concedes with the fact that Richard Wandyaka was on target twice against his former side when BUL defeated URA 2-0 at Kyabazinga stadium the previous time the Eastern Giants played host to Sam Timbe’s men almost a year ago.

But the tax collectors have realized a leap in form since the second round started.

Having misfired in seven consecutive matches as the opening half of the season wore on, URA have flexed their muscle to win all their opening two matches of the second round, beating Onduparaka and Express 2-0 and 1-0 respectively.

The results have seen them climb to ninth on the table with 20 points after 16 games.

Team News

The trio of goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa, midfielders – Reagan Kalyowa and Pascal Ngobi missed the trip to UPDF and will continue to sit out this one because of injuries, the coach confirmed.

File photo: Manager Alex Isabirye speaking to the press

BUL were denied a win the last time the teams faced each other by a last minute goal for the tax collectors but Alex Isabirye said this time his men will use the home advantage to deliver the goods.

“It was a one all draw when we played them in the first round and since this time we are at home, we shall try to get the win although we are missing some players.”

“But we have replaced them with other players who can equally do the job.”

“Football is not easy but I see my team improving and getting better every day.”

“All the players know we need the three points and I expect we shall win.”

Midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula said;

“We drew 1-1 with them in the first round at Nakisunga and we are ready for the game tomorrow.”

“We need the maximum points and we expect to win.”

Kazindula is joined by Hillary Onek to celebrate a goal in a recent encounter

Head to Head

This will be the 23rd meeting between the sides in the league since November 2011, with the previous duels ending in three BUL FC wins, 10 URA victories and ten draws

Last four meetings

April 16, 2021

URA FC 3-1 BUL FC

November 20, 2021

URA 2-2 BUL FC

April 04, 2022

BUL FC 2-0 URA FC

October 14, 2022

URA 1-1 BUL FC

Match facts

BUL have won six and drawn twice to pick up 20 points from eight home league matches, the third best home record in the division – only behind KCCA and Vipers.

The fantastic run has stretched our unbeaten home record to 15 league matches, producing eleven wins since early February last year.

The Eastern Giants are also unbeaten in their past three league matches although they have won one game in their last five league outings.

BUL’s three wins off URA arrived with clean sheets, the similar scores of 1-0 in April of 2016 and February 2018, and the 2-0 victory in April 2022.

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

URA have won only two games, having drawn and lost three matches apiece in eight away matches.

But after not picking a win in their final seven matches of the first round, the tax collectors have returned in the second half of the season with full force, winning two games on the bounce without leaking a goal.

Match Officials

Kavuma Vicent will take charge of the match from the center. Mafumu Mustapha and Zziwa Charles to run the lines as the first and second assistant referees in that order. Outeke Daniel will serve as the fourth official, while Ndawula Muhammed will be the referees assessor. 

Match Coverage:

The best way to enjoy every bit of this game is to come to FUFA technical center. Meanwhile 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 highlights. 

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: Bulfc1

You Tube: BUL FC TV