Kawowo Sports - BUL FC

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 0-0 GADDAFI FC

BUL FC have settled for a point following a disappointing barren stalemate at FUFA technical center in the Jinja derby against Gaddafi on Wednesday.

It’s now three draws and two losses for the Eastern Giants in five matches of the second round.

They enjoyed the greater share of possession and chances after the interval albeit without making the most important breakthrough.

Both sides went into the break all square after neither side could find the opening goal in the quiet first 45 minutes.

The Eastern Giants controlled possession in the half but could not create an opportunity of note, as the Soldier boys did a good job defending their penalty area.

Joel Madondo came close for the visitors inside six minutes, but his weak effort was stopped by Saidi Keni.

It took BUL until the 9th minute to have their first effort in the game.

Following a clean exchange between Martin Aprem, Richard Wandyaka and Ibrahim Nsimbe in Gaddafi’s area, Ibrahim Mugulusi was chanced to have a go at goal but sent his low drive wide.

Simeon Massa’s side was then compelled to make a change midway the stanza when goalkeeper Saidi Keni was forced off with an injury, with Tom Ikara assuming the duties between the posts.

The contest was certainly in need of a spark – and with both sides making a couple of changes upon the resumption, the game breathed some life although it was not enough to hit the expectations of the derby.

In the closing stages of the game, Aprem had two chances to break the deadlock. His first came six minutes to the hour mark but he hesitated to volley the ball in a blink, while his flipped effort a few moments later missed the target by inches.

Samuel Ssekamatte was the next to have a sight of goal for the Eastern Giants as they came close again, but his header off Hillary Onek’s lofted ball into the box just cut across the face of the goal.

BUL remained on the front foot, pressing Gaddafi in their own half with intent and in the additional minutes after the 90, Onek thought he hard won it all for his side but his goal was cancelled for a foul on the opponent’s goalkeeper.

The result has left BUL in the third place with 30 points after 19 matches.

Next is a trip to Arua for an engagement with Onduparaka at the Green Light stadium come fourth of April.

Starting XI:

Saidi Keni (Tom Ikara – GK 35′), Aggrey Madoi, Walter Ochora, Ibrahim Kazindula (Paul Ssekamatte), Ibrahim Mugulusi (Emmanuel Kalyowa), Douglas Muganga, Richard Wandyaka (Anthony Mayanja), Pascal Ngobi, Hillary Onek, Martin Aprem, Ibrahim Nsimbe (Paul Ssekulima).

Unused substitutes:

George Kasonko, Richard Ayiko

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 REPORT: SC VILLA 1-0 BUL FC

One goal was enough to settle a tight encounter as BUL FC lost to SC Villa in a Uganda premier league game at Aki ibua memorial stadium in Lira, meaning the Eastern Giants’ unbeaten run against the Jogoos has ended at twelve games.

Until today, SC Villa’s last win over BUL was almost six years ago when they won 1-0 in November 2017.

The decisive moment for the hosts came on the stroke of half time as Joseph Kafumbe and David Owori combined to break the deadlock on Tuesday, with the latter firing from close range and past Saidi Keni in our goal on the 39th minute.

They were opportuned when Kafumbe’s pass across the face of the goal evaded everyone to find Owori who calmly controlled the ball and then picked out the near post before the onrushing Douglas Muganga arrived.

While BUL dominated possession for the large spell of the game, the Eastern Giants could not work out clear cut chances to wound the Jogoos.

But despite the result, Simeon Masaba’s men remained third on table with 29 points from 18 matches.

BUL host Gaddafi FC on Thursday March 30, 2023 in our next game.

Starting XI:

Saidi Keni (GK), Hillary Onek(Innocent Rwothomio 46′),Richard Ayiko, Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Ibrahim Kazindula, Jerome Kirya (Anthony Mayanja 83′), Richard Wandyaka, Samuel Ssekamatte (Richard Okello 70′), Martin Aprem, Emmanuel Kalyowa(Ibrahim Mugulusi 70′)

Unused substitutes:

Tom Ikara (GK), Aggrey Madoi, Pascal Ngobi.

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.

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.

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 REPORT: UPDF FC 1-1 BUL FC

BUL FC were forced to settle for a point against army side UPDF on Tuesday.

Hillary Onek’s BUL second half goal was not enough to get us all the three points as the hosts hit back through Ezekiel Katende to earn a draw at the Bombo military grounds.

UPDF were playing defensive and compact with Ibrahim Kazindula having our first sighter midway the first half from a free kick which was well delt with by the hosts.

Alex Isabirye freshened up his side with two changes at the stroke of halftime,
Ivan Wani and Anthony Mayanja were seen as the preferred options to replace Emmanuel Obua and Ibrahim Nsimbe but it was not too long untill the referee sent us for the break.

The second half saw both sides being more aggressive in their attacks but it was BUL who drew the first blood.

Wani’s impact was felt when he picked up his spot to deliver a beautiful cross which Onek converted to open the scorers on 58 minutes.

But we failed to hold onto the advantage, and Katende grabbed the equaliser for UPDF fifteen minutes to the end of the game.

It means we remain second on the table with 29 points after 16 matches.

And that is it all for this month as we shall next be in action on Saturday March 04 against URA at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.

**BUL FC starting line up against Updf**

Starting XI:

Saidi Keni (GK), Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, Richard Ayiko, Emmanuel Obua(Ivan Wani 41′), Hillary Onek, Ibrahim Kazindula, Richard Wandyaka, Richard Okello (Martin Aprem 82′), Ibrahim Nsimbe (Anthony Mayanja 41′),Samuel Ssekamatte (Innocent Rwothomio 77′)

Unused substitutes:

Tom Ikara (GK),Ibrahim Mugulusi, Vicent Zziwa.

MATCH PREVIEW: UPDF Vs BUL FC

Tuesday February 21, 2023
Uganda premier league
Bombo military grounds
Kick off: 4pm

BUL FC hit the road to face UPDF on Tuesday at Bombo military grounds in the Uganda premier league.

The Eastern Giants are looking to put things right away from home where we have picked just two wins.

In seven league trips, the 5-0 win over Blacks Power in October and the 1-0 triumph against Arua Hill in December last year remain the only victories to date for Alex Isabirye’s side on the road.

But our good home run has seen us count 28 points from eight wins and four draws to sit second on the log.

Contrastingly, the hosts have not been exciting altogether. Eleven (11) points, as a result of their two wins and five draws, is all they can present from fifteen rounds this campaign.

This has left them in 13th place and praying for good fortunes going forward as they are just two points from the danger zone.

Their Uganda cup journey was also thrown to the ruins by Bunyaruguru United after a 2-1 defeat last Thursday in Rubirizi.

BUL however put in a battling display at home to SC Villa in the cup to record a 1-0 win to progress to the round of 16 and will look to build on that against UPDF.

They will also be encouraged by the good recent record at UPDF, with the Eastern Giants unbeaten in their latest four meetings with the army side.

This clash comes at a moment when the competition between the second and fifth is tight, therefore, winning this match is high on the agenda for BUL to remain in firm control of the second place regardless of the results from the battle between Vipers and Wakiso Giants at St. Mary’s stadium and SC Villa and Onduparaka who play a day later.

Alex Isabirye’s men recorded a 3-1 win at FUFA technical center the last time the side met. Two second half quick fire goals from Karim Ndugwa and Richard Wandyaka set us on the move before Frank Kalanda sealed the win late on while Ibrahim Magandazi scored the consolation for them.

Team News

Douglas Muganga will serve his suspension after accumulating yellow cards.

Three players – George Kasonko, Reagan Kalyowa and Pascal Ngobi sustained injuries in our 1-0 win over SC Villa and manager Alex Isabirye confirmed they join goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa in the treatment room.

Isabirye spoke to club media after the last training and said;

“They are third from the bottom of the table, they need the points and I know they are going to put up a very big fight but we are also looking forward to getting those three points.“

“It will not be easy but we are ready for them and I think we shall win.“

Goalkeeper Saidi Keni said;

“As players, we are prepared for the game against UPDF.”

“They are strong team but basing on our performance in the previous games, we are good to go and every player is ready to give 100%.“

Head to Head

P11 W6 D1 L4

Eleven matches have been played between these teams, producing six wins for BUL, four for UPDF and one draw since 2015.

Previous four encounters

April 20, 2021

BUL FC 4-3 UPDF FC

December 23, 2021

UPDF FC 1-1 BUL FC

March 01, 2022

BUL 5-1 UPDF FC

October 8, 2023

BUL FC 3-1 UPDF FC

Match Facts

BUL have won only two of their past seven away matches this campaign, scoring nine goals in return and conceding seven with eight points gathered.

But they are unbeaten in their last four meetings with UPDF, winning three and drawing one, with 13 goals scored and only six conceded in the process.

This fixture has produced a winner in ten of their past eleven (11) meetings, and 36 goals have been scored across those games, with BUL FC having a lion’s share of 22.

UPDF have won three times in five home league games against BUL since 2015.

However, they have won one, drawn four and lost seven in their previous 12 league matches in the current season.

Match Coverage:

Our social media channels will relay minute to minute text commentary for the fans who will not be able to travel to Bombo. A match report and highlights will follow shortly.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC VS SC VILLA

Friday February 17, 2023

Uganda Cup (Round of 32)

FUFA Technical Center

Kick off: 2PM

BUL FC will be looking to book their spot in the round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup when they welcome SC Villa to the FUFA Technical Center on Friday evening.

The Eastern Giants were 1-0 winners over Sparks SC to advance to this stage of the competition, while SC Villa beat Kireka United 6-0 at the Kings Park in the round of 64 to progress.

***Ibra Nsimbe battling out against Musana***

Both sides met at the quarter final stage where BUL came from a goal down to win 2-1 after extra time in a throbbing clash last season.

Ultimately, they went on to defeat Vipers 3-1 in the final to win the trophy while SC Villa last lifted this cup in 2015 by beating KCCA in a replayed final, and there is no question that Jackson Magera and his men will be taking this competition seriously too.

Coming into this match, BUL and SC Villa drew one all in their previous league engagements against Blacks Power and Gaddafi.

The results left them second and fifth on the league table respectively.

They face off again having last met in October last year in a league duel where BUL had to dig deep to craft the 1-0 victory through Richard Wandyaka’s late strike – which was BUL’s eighth win over the Jogoos in 26 encounters.

Alex Isabirye’s men, who will be playing at a ground they have not lost since the season started, now have to approach this mighty task with grit given that their opponents also have a five game unbeaten run to protect.

Team News

Team manager Alex Isabirye said there is no suspension with in the squad but he confirmed goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa and midfielder Jerome Kirya will miss the game.

Ahead of the game, Isabirye said;

“We are going to try to do our level best to win the game although it will not be easy.”

BUL played the Jogoos enroute to the final the past season but the manager said this time we are meeting a new looking and a much improved SC Villa side.

“Teams in Uganda Cup especially SC Villa don’t open up and I saw they were so good against Gaddafi in the league on their last outing.”

“When playing in a knock out competition, you play different games and in Stanbic Uganda Cup, you can’t play the same opponents every season.”

“In the current SC Villa, we are meeting a different team from the one we faced last season.”

“I think they were 11th in the league last time and they are currently fifth, they even had a foreign coach. but now they have about six new faces in their team and with two good and experienced new coaches, and they have so far performed extremely well.”

“So, the game will not be the same as last season’s.“

Captain George Kasonko also said;

“It’s the final match we are having, there will be no any other game if we lose this one. It’s a game we must play to win.“

“This is the opportunity we have to write history again and we are ready for tomorrow.”

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 highlights.

Twitter: @bulfc1

Facebook: Bul Football Club – Jinja

Instagram: bulfc

You Tube: BUL FC TV