It ended goalless between BUL FC and Wakiso Giants on a chilly evening at Kabaka Kyabaggu stadium.
That is three back to back draws for BUL in the Uganda premier league and it was a vital point earned on the road.
The stalemate moved us one place up and into the sixth position on the table at 33 points, same as the seventh placed Maroons FC but we sit infront of them because of a superior goal difference.
Junior team player Swabiru Mpasa was given his debut on the senior team when he replaced Reagan Kalyowa in the 65th minute, following the footsteps of his compatriots like Julius Baraza, Inocent Rwothomio and Richard Okello to the senior side this season.
BUL had some chances in the first half, with Ibrahim Nsimbe seeing his shot tamed by Bashir Ssekagya four minutes to the half hour mark before Ibrahim Kazindula’s corner was cleared.
Tweaks were made after the break to change the course of the game on the pitch. The scorer against Bright Stars – Anthony Mayanja, as well as George Kasonko were thrown into the fray but the Eastern Giants could not find a way through past the Purple Sharks.
However, they extended our unbeaten run to three games.
BUL will be back in the UPL action on Wednesday 10th May against Arua Hill at FUFA technical centre.
Starting XI:
Saidi Keni (GK), Ronald Otti, Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Hillary Onek, Pascal Ngobi, Ibrahim Kazindula (George Kasonko 52′), Jerome Kirya , Richard Wandyaka (Anthony Mayanja 46′), Ibrahim Nsimbe, Reagan Kalyowa(Swabiru Mpassa 65′)
Monday May 01, 2023 Uganda Premier League Wakiso Giants Vs BUL FC Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium Kick-off: 4PM
The Eastern Giants are back in action on Monday, taking on Wakiso Giants at Kabaka Kyabaggu stadium.
They will continue their pursuit for that maiden win in the second round and back to back draws against Busoga United and Bright Stars look to be the perfect springboard to go for the kill in Wakiso.
Changes in the table have been terrible for BUL, with the team slopping from second to the seventh position rapidly but the showings against Bright Stars give everyone around the club reasons to believe and hope that Simeon Masaba’s men will return to winning ways soon
They dominated proceedings, took the lead early in the game before they fell behind but they put their heads up and rescued a point. That was a bit of a resilient performance not synonymous with the previous ones.
After registering eight wins, as well as draws and seven losses, BUL have 32 points from 23 matches.
Wakiso Giants, meanwhile, come into the clash on the back of a one all draw away to Express two days ago.
Despite their three unbeaten run coming into this game, their performance has not been all that eye catching as they have won one game only in their past eleven outings.
They currently find themselves in the 8th position with 31 points, one behind the Eastern Giants after winning eight and drawing seven of their 24 matches.
Walter Ochora and Vicent Zziwa were on target for BUL, while Ambrose Arinda scored for the Purple Sharks in BUL’s 2-1 win when the sides met in the reverse fixture the last December. This will be the eighth meeting.
Team News
Almost everyone is available for selection and all the players are ready to play apart from Aggrey Madoi who is battling malaria.
About the game, coach Simeon Masaba said;
“Everything is possible from tomorrow’s game, they are playing from home but they are also struggling a little bit and I think we can regroup well and get our first win of the second round.”
“Goals have started coming but our remaining task is now to see how we can defend well and get the wins.“
“We have tried to correct the mistakes and we are going to try and see that we defend better.“
Ronald Otti said;
“We have been struggling, a bit of a losing streak but tomorrow is the only game we have to restore our self esteem.”
“We have gone through different drills, so we are going to be able to score more as possible and also defend well.”
Head to Head
P7 W2 D1 L3
It is three wins for each side, and they have drawn once in seven matches since 2019.
Last four encounters
May 18, 2021
Wakiso Giants 2-1 BUL FC
January 04, 2022
Wakiso Giants 4-3 BUL FC
February 12, 2022
BUL FC 2-0 Wakiso Giants
December 02, 2022
BUL FC 2-1 Wakiso Giants
Match Facts
It is two wins and four draws for BUL out of eleven away matches this season, representing ten points from a possible 33.
Across the matches, the Eastern Giants have scored eleven goals and their defence beaten on twelve times, keeping two clean sheets only.
BUL’s two away victories were against Blacks Power (5-0) and Arua Hill (1-0) in October and December respectively.
Simeon Massa’s men have scored in their past three consecutive matches, scoring four goals although five have been conceded in the process.
They are also unbeaten in their previous two meetings with Wakiso Giants, actually the have won all of them; 2-0 in February and 2-1 in December of 2022.
This fixture has produced 17 goals altogether, with BUL scoring nine times against the Purple Sharks.
The goalless draw of January 2020 stand to this day as the only game between the sides not to have a goal scored.
Wakiso Giants have won five, drawn two and lost five in twelve home matches, collecting 17 points from a possible 36.
Their goal return at Kabaka Kyabaggu stands at 18 goals, and 16 leaked.
They are unbeaten in their past three matches but they have drawn twice and won one game.
However, that one win is their only victory in their previous 11 matches.
Match Coverage
It’s a TV game but proceedings will be shared across all our social media channels throughout the game
BUL FC and Bright Stars played out a two all draw on Friday, as we came from behind in the second half to clinch a point at FUFA technical centre.
The Eastern Giants took the lead through Ibrahim Mugulusi’s strike early on, but we were penned back just five minutes to the break by Cleophus Fiat’s screamer.
After the break, Bright Stars took control of the game immediately courtesy of Nelson Ssenkatuka’s close range finish two minutes into the second half, but a late leveller from Anthony Mayanja for BUL ensured we took home atleast a point.
It was a fast start for BUL who came close in the opening couple of minutes, with Ronald Otti getting at the end of one of the first two corners inside two minutes of play before Ibrahim Kazindula blazed his free kick over bar.
With five minutes off the clock, BUL finally broke down the Star’s door that they had been pounding on.
Douglas Muganga managed to play the ball to Hillary Onek who beat his man for pace down the right-hand side before crossing low across goal for Mugulusi to poke in the opener.
BUL then made several advances throughout the duration of the first half but were not able to widen the advantage. One of the many chances was when Mugulusi found himself in a prime position inside the area but failed to connect with Ibrahim Nsimbe’s lay in.
Bright Stars scored against the run of play however, and from the only opportunity they got in the opening half when Fiat picked up his spot almost from the center arc after spotting Saidi Keni off his line.
They doubled their advantage in the 47th minute. Nelson Ssenkatuka rounded off two defenders from the box and fired in a second to tilt the game in Bright Stars favor.
Masaba’s men upped their game and put in a much better showing after falling off the patch and wasted no time in their search for a comeback goal.
Within one minute off the hour mark, Bright Stars were forced to clear their lines before Nsimbe hit the post a few moments later.
Mayanja picked up the pieces with a follow up to draw the game level on 84 minutes after Richard Wandyaka’s initial effort also hit the post.
But before the equalizer, Bright Stars had almost stretched their lead. Keni spilled the ball Infront of Ssenkatuka who hit the post and the ball came back into play.
BUL were desperate to get another goal and take all the three points but there was no time left on the clock and the referee called things to a stop with the spoils shared.
Thanks to Mayanja’s late equaliser, the Eastern Giants remain sixth on the log with 32 points after 23 matches.
On Monday next week, BUL face Wakiso Giants at Kabaka Kyabagu.
BUL FC XI:
Saidi Keni (GK),Douglas Muganga (Emmanuel Obua 71′), Ronald Otti, Walter Ochora, Pascal Ngobi, Ibrahim Kazindula (Richard Wandyaka 60′), Ibrahim Mugulusi, Joram Kirya (Richard Okello 52′),Hillary Onek, Reagan Kalyowa (Martin Aprem 60′), Ibrahim Nsimbe (Anthony Mayanja 71′)
Friday April 28, 2023 Uganda Premier League BUL FC Vs Bright Stars FUFA Technical Centre Kick-off: 4pm
BUL FC return to FUFA technical centre this Friday to host Bright Stars in the Uganda premier league at 4pm.
The Eastern Giants finished fourth last season, and they were second by the mid of the current campaign but sixth place is where they take a chair this day following a run of eight league games without a win.
Simeon Masaba’s men have 31 points to count from their eight wins, and seven draws as well as losses after 22 rounds, meaning they are just three points off URA FC who occupy the fourth place on the table.
Meeting the horizons reached the previous term is however very possible, with the 1-1 derby draw at Busoga United six days ago laying a cornerstone for more better results heading into the last six matches of the season.
The visitors arrive in Njeru five places behind BUL and off the back of a one all draw on Tuesday at home to Express.
They currently sit 11th on the table with 28 points from 22 matches but they are unbeaten in the past three meetings with the Eastern Giants.
At the beginning of the campaign, the sides convened in November for the reverse fixture at Kuvumba, and Nelson Ssenkatuka’s brace separated them as Bright Stars came out 2-0 winners.
Team News
Richard Ayiko is suspended, while Ivan Wani will also miss the game because of an injury.
Before the game, coach Simeon Masaba said is full of belief and confident that the Eastern Giants will start collecting maximum points as soon as possible.
“We have gone the second round without winning but I hope and I believe the training we have had with in these couple of days is enough to see that we get the results in tomorrow’s game,” he said.
“Atleast we have started scoring, we even scored in our previous game although it was one goal. But we are going to build from that because previously, goals had totally been not coming.“
This view is shared by the players and all their focus is set at coming out winners in the remaining games.
“We have been prepared well to face Bright Stars,” Saidi Keni said.
“It’s a while now and a couple of games without winning but we have never lost hope and the belief that we can start winning again as players, and I believe wins shall start coming beginning with tomorrow’s game.“
Head to Head
P20 W4 D6 L10
The Eastern Giants have faced the Stars on 20 previous occasions since 2013, winning four compared to Bright Stars’ ten with the other six matches ending in draws.
Last four meetings
December 17, 2021
BUL FC 0-0 Bright Stars
March 11, 2022
Bright Stars 3-0 BUL FC
March 22, 2022
Bright Stars 2(3)-2(4) BUL FC (Uganda Cup)
November 29, 2022
Bright Stars 2-0 BUL FC
Match Facts
Of the 31 points this term, 21 have been a result of winning six, drawing three and losing two matches at FUFA technical centre.
Seventeen goals have also come along the course, just seven conceded and five clean sheets kept.
There were five straight home wins for BUL before mid December but since thrashing Maroons 5-0, the team has endured an eight game streak without a league victory.
BUL’s last league win over Bright Stars was two years ago when Deogracious Ojok and Robert Mukongotya scored as the Eastern Giants came out 2-0 winners on March 10, 2021.
This fixture has produced 20 games since 2013 and 36 goals have been scored across the matches, with the Eastern Giants netting 15 times.
The ties involving the sides have produced at least a goal except on three occasions – the barren draws of April 2014, March 2016 and December 2021
Bright Stars is unbeaten in the past three meetings with BUL, and as visitors, they are also unbeaten in five away games against the Eastern Giants – since the 2-0 loss at Kakindu on March 14, 2017.
This clash will not appear anywhere on television but our social media channels below will give full text coverage during the game.
BUL FC played out a 1-1 draw with Busoga United at Kakindu stadium in the Jinja derby that saw three penalties on Friday, one was saved.
Simeon Masaba’s side opened the scoring midway the first half with an outstanding spot kick from Ibrahim Kazindula and they defended brilliantly throughout the opening period and restricted the hosts to very little in front of goal.
But Busoga did level the game in the second half through Laban Tibita’s strike also from the spot as both sides shared the spoils.
It was however not the best start for a derby with nothing of note to bring the atmosphere to life although there were thrills as the game phased out.
While it took long for BUL to settle, the first opportunity of the evening fell to the hosts when the Eastern Giants were caught in possession high up the pitch, which allowed Busoga to thread to Rashid Mpata, whose close-range effort flew over the bar.
The home side then continued to threaten and came close once again through Peter Onzima whose inviting cross sailed wide.
The Eastern Giants had to wait until the 22nd minute to create a realistic goal scoring opportunity – Ibrahim Nsimbe combined with Ibrahim Mugulusi to release Reagan Kalyowa on the left but the youngster lost his balance before unleashing a shot.
A little while after and following a free kick situation, Ronald Otti was hurled to ground and the referee awarded a penalty to the Eastern Giants which needed three minutes to be taken after tempers hit a high mark on the pitch.
Kazindula however held his breath and planted a cool one beyond Michael Lutaaya to give BUL the lead.
Their eagerness to double the advantage saw them become more dangerous as the first half progressed, and they were unfortunate not to score a second six minutes off the half hour when Hillary Onek’s sublime free kick was brushed wide by Kazindula.
Busoga hit back in the second half after Kazindula was penalized for a handball in the box to allow Laban Tibita to equalize for the hosts from the spot on 51 minutes.
They almost went ahead two minutes after the hour, after Richard Ayiko gifted another penalty to the hosts when he shoved Peter Onzima in the forbidden area.
But this time Saidi Keni stood too big between the uprights to deny Tibita a brace with a comfortable save.
As the game wore on, there were promising moments for each side to win it all but they all held their rear sides tight to share the points. The result grants the Eastern Giants the chance to remain 5th on the table after 22 rounds with 31 points.
Bright Stars will be the next opponent for BUL next week on Friday.
Starting XI:
Saidi Keni(GK), Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, Ronald Otti, Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Mugulusi (Richard Wandyaka 60′),Ibrahim Kazindula (Anthony Mayanja 65′), Hillary Onek, Reagan Kalyowa (Martin Aprem 60′), Ibrahim Nsimbe.
Substitutes:
Tom Ikara,Vicent Zziwa, Aggrey Madoi, George Kasonko.
Wednesday April 04, 2023 Uganda Premier League Green Light Stadium Kick-off: 4PM
BUL FC make the trip to Green light stadium to face Onduparaka in a Uganda premier league match on Wednesday in Arua city.
The Eastern Giants come into the game on the back of a 0-0 draw at Gaddafi in the Jinja derby last time out, while Onduparaka also come into this one on the back of a disappointing 4-1 defeat at Express.
BUL edged their hosts in the reverse fixture with a 1-0 victory at FUFA technical centre, with Karim Ndugwa scoring late in the game.
Twenty points, and eleven positions separate the two teams as BUL sit third on the log with 30 points after winning eight, drawing five and losing five in 18 matches.
As for Onduparaka, they have only two wins and six draws in 18 matches to gather ten points, which are only good for the 15th place on the table.
Team News
Ronald Otti remains out of action for BUL, Reagan Kalyowa is also not ready for a return yet while Jerome Kirya is also in the treatment room because of injuries.
Having gone three games without scoring a goal, coach Simeon Masaba said they have sharpened their boots and in no time, goals will start to rain.
“Recently we have not been scoring and playing well but we have tried to correct the mistakes and we are trying to improve,” he said.
“Players have been given the freedom and confidence they need to start scoring, and although it is not going to be an easy game, we are going to see that we fight and get the good results.”
Head to head
The two sides have met competitively for a total of 14 matches, with BUL winning seven of those meetings. Of the remaining seven meetings, Onduparaka won two, with the sides settling for a draw on five occasions.
Last four meetings
November 02, 2023
BUL FC 1-0 Onduparaka
April 30, 2022
BUL 0-0 Onduparaka
October 30, 2021
Onduparaka FC 0-2 BUL FC
May 22, 2021
BUL FC 3-1 Onduparaka FC
Match Facts
BUL have won two games away from home this campaign, drawing three as well as losing four times to collect nine points in nine matches on the road.
The Eastern Giants have won six in the past seven meetings with the Caterpillars in all competitions, putting forward twelve goals and conceding one across that run.
This fixture has produced 20 goals but BUL have a big share of 15 to their name.
Onduparaka’s two victories over the Eastern Giants came in 2018 (1-0) and 2019 (1-0) and they were all at Green Light stadium.
The Caterpillars have also won only two home matches, drawn three and lost four to count nine points from their yard.
Match Coverage.
There will be no live coverage for this game. However, our social media channels will provide a full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report and match highlights.
Our dream to defend the Uganda cup has varnished following a 2-1 loss to Police in the quarter finals.
The Eastern Giants went all through last season, beating Vipers 3-1 in the final to lift the cup but that will not be repeated this time after crushing out of the competition on Wednesday at Kavumba.
All was well in the beginning, and the trip to Lira looked likely and clear at the start of the game as Anthony Mayanja fired a fabulous strike to give BUL the lead with just two minutes played.
But our hopes to storm the third consecutive semi final paled after the break when Pascal Ngobi leveled the game for the Cops after the initial header by Jackson Ssemugabi hit the upright three minutes to the hour mark.
On 64 minutes, Ronald Sempala pounced in a header off Denis Kalanzi’s scooped ball to put the hosts in charge.
This was the final stroke for BUL as all the efforts by the Eastern Giants to come back into the game remained futile.
Next is a Uganda premier league trip to Kakindu stadium to face neighbors Busoga United in the Jinja derby on April 21.
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa (Saidi Keni GK 83′), Richard Ayiko, Douglas Muganga, Hillary Onek, Aggrey Madoi (Shafiq Kwikiriza 46′), Pascal Ngobi, Anthony Mayanja, Jerome Kirya, Richard Wandyaka (Ibrahim Mugulusi 69′), Martin Aprem (Edrine Mawerere), Ibrahim Nsimbe (Samuel Ssekamatte 69′)
It was a frustrating afternoon for BUL FC as the Eastern Giants lost for the seventh time this season, losing 2-1 to ten man Express at FUFA technical centre.
Playing under the unforgiving sun that was scorching everything breathing oxygen, Express scored two goals before the half-time whistle to complete the double over BUL on Wednesday.
Boban Zirintusa opened the scoring for the red eagles, pouncing in a header past Saidi Keni off an Allan Kayiwa corner as early as the 11th minute.
And midway the first half, former Eastern Giant Anwar Ntege capitalized on a defensive mix-up following a set piece situation to sweep home a second for Express.
BUL created little in response as the visitors eased into the break 2-0 up.
After the recess, Simeon Masaba turned to his bench and picked out Julius Baraza and Anthony Mayanja to change fortunes on the pitch, with the latter operating in an advanced position while supporting Martin Aprem in the attack.
With two minutes left to clock the hour mark, the visitors were reduced to ten men when Anwar Ntege was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Richard Ayiko.
The Eastern Giants however failed to benefit from the numerical advantage to tilt the game into our favor as our former goalkeeper Abdul Kimera and his shield kept it tight in the back.
It was instead the visitors who almost scored a third when Zirintusa weaved through the middle but he sent his strike wide while Joseph Akandwanaho also failed to beat Saidi Keni from close range.
Following a couple of further changes, Masaba’s men hit the front foot after the introduction of Paul Ssekulima and Shafik Kwikiriza.
They finally beat Express’ wall and pulled one back in the added five minutes when Arthur Kiggundu scored in his own net.
Focus now turns to the Uganda cup quarter finals scheduled for Wednesday next week against Police at Kavumba.
Starting XI:
Saidi Keni (GK), Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko, Aggrey Madoi (Paul Ssekulima 60′), Richard Wandyaka (Shafiq kwikiriza 75′)Hillary Onek, Pascal Ngobi (Emmanuel Kalyowa 39), George Kasonko, Ibrahim Mugulusi (Julius Baraza 46′), Martin Aprem, Samuel Sekamatte (Anthony Mayanja 46′)
Saturday April 8, 2023 Uganda Premier League BUL Vs Express FUFA Technical Centre Kick-off: 2PM
FUFA technical centre will be rocking on Saturday as BUL FC sets sight on returning to winning ways against Express.
This clash follows a frustrating run of six league matches without victory for the Eastern Giants, earning just three points from a possible 18 in the second round so far.
A total count of 30 points from 20 games means that the Eastern Giants are currently sitting third on the table, 10 points behind leaders – SC Villa, while it’s just one point separating us from the fourth placed Vipers SC who have four games in hand.
Putting maximum points on the board therefore seems a matter of urgency now and match day 22 provides the chance for us to change the tide and light up the season again.
In the visitors corner, Express will be looking to build on their impressive showings last time out when they smashed Onduparaka 4-1 at the end of last month.
But they have not been the best side either generally, as their five wins and seven draws from 19 matches puts them on 22 points to sit in the 11th place.
Statistics also show a return of only two points for the red eagles from their last five games on the road, meaning they rarely show up in away matches.
They however won the reverse fixture between the sides 1-0 courtesy of Allan Kayiwa’s early strike in November when they met at Wankulukuku.
Team News
Reagan Kalyowa will be absent from this game as well as Ronald Otti and Jerome Kirya because of injuries.
Looking towards the fixture, coach Simeon Masaba said;
“Express have been very stubborn against BUL but since they’re coming to our home ground, we are looking forward to playing good football against them.”
“We have not won any game in the second round and everyone knows that but we are trying very hard to see that we start winning.”
“We are trying to correct the mistakes, we are trying to prepare the strikers to get us the goals and I think we are about to start getting them.”
“I know the fans are not happy but we are equally not happy with the results, so let them come and cheer us, they are part of us and we need them.”
Anthony Mayanja said;
“Everyone is well prepared although we have had difficulties in winning matches recently. But nevertheless, this time we are very ready to encounter Express tomorrow.”
Head to Head
This fixture has provided us with 20 meetings in all competitions, producing eight BUL FC wins, seven Express FC victories and five draws.
Last four meetings
November 9, 2022
Express 1-0 BUL
May 7, 2022
Express 2-1 BUL
October 26, 2021
BUL FC 0-1 Express
September 23, 2021
BUL FC 1-0 Express FC (Uganda Cup)
Match Facts
BUL have won six, drawn three and lost one game from ten home matches, putting on board 21 points with 16 goals scored and five conceded in all.
It is three draws and three losses for the Eastern Giants in their past six league outings, with their last win coming against Maroons in the 5-0 triumph in mid December last year.
The Eastern Giants have not scored in their past four league matches, and they have ended up losing three of them.
It’s also close to four years since BUL last beat Express in a league action – the 1-0 win in August of 2019.
Express’ recent 4-1 victory over Onduparaka at the end of last month is their only win in their previous 12 matches.
But they have won their past four league encounters against BUL.
However in their last five away matches, James Odoch’s men have managed only two draws, losing three though.
Match Coverage
For a better experience and enjoyment, everyone should come to FUFA technical centre in Njeru although the game is going to be live on television.
Our social media channels will as well provide a good account of the action with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report and match highlights.
Goals from John Rogers Okumu made it a frustrating evening for the Eastern Giants as Onduparaka came out 2-0 winners at the Green Light Stadium in Arua.
It was a better start for BUL in terms of possession but they rarely found away passed Mathias Okello in Onduparaka’s goal on Tuesday.
Ibrahim Mugulusi’s well taken corner was cleared in the early moments of the game before Okello punched out another by Ibrahim Kazindula midway the first half.
The hosts improved marginally going forward and almost took the lead on 19 minutes when Nathan Oloro swung in a cross but Williams Gama was seconds late to connect.
They however did break the deadlock soon through John Rogers Okumu seven minutes to the break.
And despite coach Simeon Masaba calling changes to his side after the break, Onduparaka stretched their lead as Okumu completed his brace on 53 minutes and this proved to be the final stroke despite all the efforts from BUL to overturn the fortunes.
The Eastern Giants have remained third on the table despite the result with 30 points, ten behind leaders SC Villa after 20 matches.
The next outing will be against Express on Saturday at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara(GK), Richard Ayiko, Douglas Muganga (Paul Ssekulima), Walter Ochora, Pascal Ngobi, Ibrahim Kazindula (Emmanuel Kalyowa), Ibrahim Mugulusi (Samuel Ssekamatte 46′), Hillary Onek, Martin Aprem (Anthony Mayanja), Richard Wandyaka, Ibrahim Nsimbe.
Unused substitutes:
Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK), Aggrey Madoi, George Kasonko
