Uganda Premier League - BUL FC

MATCH PREVIEW; POLICE VS BUL FC

Saturday May 14

MTN Omondi stadium

Kick off: 4PM

**BUL FC line up that won against Police in first round**

Fresh from an exciting Uganda cup win, BUL FC continue their top-four hunt with their final away league match against Police FC on Saturday.

The Eastern Giants mauled Booma FC 5-1 on Tuesday to put one foot into this year’s Uganda cup final, while the Cops won 3-1 against Wakiso Giants last time out

The top two dream may be over for BUL and Alex Isabirye, but the Eastern Giants boss witnessed his side respond to the loss against Express in perfect fashion during their trip to Masindi.

And It’s the kind of performance BUL will seek to replicate at Lugogo if a place in the first four is to be regained.

The reverse fixture saw BUL come out on top with a 2-1 victory in a fascinating game at Kyabazinga stadium. Then, the Cops were in 14th place, and coincidentally, this fixture has come when the hosts are occupying the same rank on the table, fighting for survival and one point from safety.

From their 28 matches, Police have gathered 28 points, 18 behind their visitors who sit in 5th position.

Saturday’s clash is set to be the 18th meeting between these sides.

Team News

Two players – Saidi Keni and Lawrence Kasadha are out of this clash due to knee injuries, but, the of the rest players are available for selection.

What they said

Team manager – Alex Isabirye:

It is going to be a tough one. Police is fighting to survive and we expect them to fight for the three points but we greatly need them as well because we want to finish in the top four.

Ibrahim Mugulusi:

It’s a crucial game against a tough opponent who are in a relegation battle. It’s going to be a tough game for us but we know how we shall handle it. We won the first leg 2-1 but we won’t be taken away by that, so, we have to come out strong.

Last time out

May 10, 2022

Booma 1-5 BUL FC

It was a goal fest at Masindi stadium as BUL smashed Booma FC 5-1 in the first leg of the Uganda cup semi final.

**BUL FC players celebrating after winning Booma fc in Uganda cup**

In the opening twelve minutes, the Eastern Giants scored three goals.

Simon Peter Oketch fired BUL in front just six minutes after kick off, Richard Wandyaka doubled our lead on the tenth minute before Oketch scored again two minutes later.

Leonard Mujuwa reduced that deficit to two goals when he scored for the hosts on the 21st minute but Ibrahim Kazindula popped up with the fourth goal for BUL FC before the end of the first half.

Karim Ndugwa then sealed the win with a penalty after the break to give Isabirye’s side a first leg advantage.

Head to head

Seventeen (17) league games have been played between these two sides since 2012, producing nine BUL FC wins, five Police FC victories and three draws.

Previous Meeting

Friday October 22, 2021.

BUL FC 2-1 Police

Both sides convened at Kyabazinga Stadium for the league match in October last year and BUL came out 2-1 winners.

Goals from Ibrahim Mugulusi and Richard Wandyaka earned the Eastern Giants a bright start to the new season, with Brian Muluuli Mayanja scoring the consolation for the Cops.

Mugulusi drove BUL ahead with a stunning free kick seven minutes off the half an hour before Muluuli drew the game even with an equaliser for Police on the stroke of halftime.

But just three minutes into the second half, Wandyaka restored our lead that the Eastern Giants held on to gain all the three points.

Last four encounters

October 22, 2021

BUL FC 2-1 Police

February 16, 2021

Police 2-0 BUL FC

September 04, 2019

Police 0-2 BUL FC

March 06, 2019

BUL FC 2-1 Police.

Match facts

BUL FC have won four, drawn six and lost four games to collect 18 points from 14 away matches in this campaign.

The Eastern Giants have lost just once in their past eight league matches but have equally won just once in their last nine league trips.

Isabirye’s side has however dominated this fixture in recent times, recording seven wins off the Cops from their immediate last eight meetings.

Of the 39 goals scored in this fixture, BUL have emphatically scored 21 goals, with Police managing 18 only.

Police have the second worst home record in the division after winning just three times in 14 home league matches.

And they have also not won in their last four matches at Lugogo, scoring two goals and conceding 7 across them.

The hosts meanwhile are unbeaten in their past two matches but have won once in their last six games.

Match officials

Nabadda Shamirah has been appointed to officiate this crucial match. She will be on duty with Katenya Ronald and Sekayuba Fahad as the first and second assistant referee respectively. Nkurunziza George will be the fourth official while Kizito Rehma will be the referee assessor.

How can I follow the game?

The match will not be anywhere on television. BUL FC fans can follow all the action on our:

Facebook page – BUL Football Club-Jinja

Twitter – @bulfc1

Instagram – bulfc1

MATCH REPORT: BOOMA 1-5 BUL FC

The Eastern Giants have produced a sensational performance in the first leg of the stanbic Uganda cup semi final to maul Booma FC 5-1 at Masindi stadium on Tuesday.

**BUL FC players celebrating their fifth goal**

Simon Peter Oketch put BUL ahead on six minutes before Alex Isabirye’s men delivered an onslaught before the break to humiliate their hosts in front of their fans.

Richard Wandyaka made it 2-0 up for us with just ten minutes into the game, Oketch then completed his double three minutes later before Ibrahim Kazindula scored from range on the stroke of half time to restore our three goal cushion.

Just before the hour mark, Ronald Mujuwa had pulled one back for the hosts on 22 minutes.

**BUL FC starting line up against Booma fc**

After the break, the Eastern Giants were not quite finished and put up another gallant show to deny Booma any ray of hope.

Chris Isingoma pushed a teasing Reagan Kalyowa in the area for the referee to point to the spot.

Karim Ndugwa took up responsibility from the penalty mark and sent Booma’s goalkeeper the wrong way to score our 5th goal.

Later on, Ibrahim Mugulusi thought he had scored a sixth for BUL but it was cancelled with the referee adjudging Ndugwa had committed a foul in the build up to the goal.

The result means Isabirye’s side have inched closer to making it to the final of this competition for the second season running. BUL reached their first final last season where they lost to Vipers at the ultimate stage.

The return leg of this tie is scheduled for Wednesday May 18, but before then, focus now turns to Uganda premier league with a trip to Police FC awaiting us this Saturday.

Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Hillary Onek, Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya (Aggrey Madoi 84′), Simon Peter Oketch (Martin Aprem 65′), Karim Ndugwa, Richard Wandyaka (Ibrahim Nsimbe 46′) Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 65′), Reagan Kalyowa (Ivan Wani 84′)

Unused substitutes:
John Okurut, Umar Mukobe

MATCH PREVIEW: BOOMA VS BUL FC

Tuesday May 10

Uganda Cup

Kick off: 3PM

The Eastern Giants have the chance to make a second Uganda cup final on the bounce as they take on Booma FC in the semi-final on Tuesday evening. The game will be held at Masindi Municipal stadium with kick off scheduled at 3PM.

**BUL FC line up that played against Villa at quarter final stage.**

Despite playing all our engagements in this competition away from home, BUL have shown unwavering traits to this stage as they are yet to lose a game in Uganda cup this season.

Against Busoga United, we demonstrated we can put away our chances. In the games against Bright Stars and SC Villa, we showed tremendous grit and fight to navigate difficult moments.

Now what faces the Eastern Giants is the chance to tie down a spot in the final, and possibly have another go at the title.

The home side for this fixture also come into this game with a streak of four wins in Uganda cup this term, so they will prove to be stern opposition regardless of the league tier under which they play league football.

**Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating his goal that sealed BULFC a spot in the semi final.**

In Uganda cup, they have beaten Nyamityobora, Kajjansi United, Tipsa and Maroons FC to make it to the last four.

Team News

Lawrence Kasadha and Saidi Keni will miss this important game because of injuries, while George Kasonko will not feature due to suspension.

Ahead of the clash, assistant coach Richard Bakabulindi Kasule spoke to the club media.

**Coach Richard Kasule during a presser at FUFA house earlier on.**

The coach said that ;

“We are going to be very cautious about the opponent because they are one of the teams that have conceded the least goals in this competition.”

“Thus, our strategy will be not to concede away from home and atleast score a goal, and then finish the encounter from home.”

“It’s the only chance we have and reach the final for the second time. We have enough experience and I believe we can go over them.“

“Even though we were humiliated last time, for us we believe it was a big step ahead because the team that lost that day was not our best.”

“As for this time, I believe we have a chance to prove everyone wrong.”

Karim Ndugwa shared the coach’s thoughts about this match and he was confident the Eastern Giants will cruise through.

Little is known about Booma but we are ready to take on whatever comes our way. The coaches have done their best to put us in the best conditions and they have prepared us well. All I ask the fans is to have trust in us and be confident that we can deliver the victory.

**Karim Ndugwa poses for a photo after scoring against Bright stars at round of 16**

Match officials

The match will be officiated by Sabilla Ali, with Masembe Isa and Okudra Emmanuel serving as his first and second assistant referees. Byaruhanga Henry will be the fourth official while Miiro Nsubuga Brian will be the referee assessor.

MATCH REPORT: EXPRESS 2-1 BUL FC

The Eastern Giants eight game unbeaten run is over. Express ran 2-1 winners in our Uganda premier league encounter with them at Mutesa II stadium on Saturday.

**BUL FC starting line up against Express fc**

They were set on their way six minutes after the hour when George Kasonko scored at the wrong end to put them in the lead. And Martin Kiiza doubled their advantage with a calm finish on 39 minutes for they to move into the break with a two goal cushion.

Simon Peter Oketch came off the bench to pull one back for BUL FC with eighteen minutes left to play but a complete comeback was not to happen as the hosts held on to win the game.

Before the Red eagles found their footing, Ibrahim Nsimbe almost put BUL in front midway the first half when he pulled a shot but agonisingly saw his effort slightly fly wide.

**Reagan Kalyowa fighting for the ball**

Another chance of the Eastern Giants fell to Karim Ndugwa with just nine minutes into the second period however Otim was quick to tame his header.

The Red eagles survived some nervy moments deep in the game but it was just not our day.

This defeat has left the Eastern Giants in the 5th place on 46 points after 28 games.

Starting XI:

Emmanuel Kalyowa, Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko (Hillary Onek 46′), Umar Mukobe, George Kasonko, Ibrahim Kazindula (Ibrahim Mugulusi 67′), Ambrose Kirya (Simon Peter Oketch 41′) Karim Ndugwa, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Ivan Wani (Reagan Kalyowa 41′)

Unused substitutes:
John Okurut, Pascal Ngobi, .

MATCH PREVIEW: EXPRESS FC VS BUL FC.

Saturday May 7, 2022

Uganda Premier League

Kick off: 4PM

The Eastern Giants make the near 52 mile trip to Express for the Uganda Premier League clash at Mutesa II stadium on Saturday.

After a barren stalemate with Onduparaka the last time out, BUL FC will look to trace back their winning rails against this mid-table side.

And not lacking motivation, Alex Isabirye’s side will be hungry to exact some revenge after a frustrating home defeat earlier in the season against the Wankulukuku outfit.

However, Express can be buoyed by their strong home form this season having won five, drawn six and lost just twice in 13 league matches at Wankulukuku.

But their task against BUL will be difficult as the Eastern Giants have enjoyed a good run of form – with an overall record of twelve wins, ten draws and five losses from 27 league games to sit in fourth place with 46 points.

Express can only be good for the sixth place on 42 points after the same round of games as their visitors.

Since 2011, the two sides are meeting for the 19th time in all competitions.

Team News

Defender Lawrence Kasadha will be unavailable after sustaining a knee injury in our last game.

Goalkeeper Saidi Keni is continuing his recovery from his knee injury, whilst Jerome Kirya is out on suspension due to accumulation of yellow cards.

Returning is center back Douglas Muganga after serving his suspension.

What they said:

Assistant coach – James Magala

I am excited we are playing against Express, a team I played for and enjoyed representing but playing against them as a coach is different because this is a job.

We are going there with an objective of winning because everyone knows we need the three points.

They are a good team and we respect them, but we are well prepared to earn the three points.

The boys are are in good conditions and ready to win the game.

Ambrose Kirya

After the draw with Onduparaka, our focus is so much on that Express match. The attitude and character of the boys is too high and we are very ready for the engagement.

Last time out

April 30, 2022

BUL FC 0-0 Onduparaka

The Eastern Giants and Onduparaka drew blanks at Kyabazinga stadium in a game that saw few scoring chances. Jerome Kirya, Karim Ndgwa and Simon Peter Oketch came close but Michael Kagiri in the Caterpillars goal denied them. While at the other end, Emmanuel Oketch and Rashid Yakin had their efforts frustrated by Emmanuel Kalyowa for BUL FC as both teams shared the points.

Head to Head

This fixture has provided 18 meetings in all competitions, producing eight BUL FC wins, five Express FC victories and five draws.

Previous Meeting

October 26, 2021

BUL FC 0-1 Express FC

Mahad Kakooza was the hero for Express as his 53rd minute goal gifted the Red Eagles their first victory of the season on our first face off in October last year.

The midfielder connected to Martin Kizza’s delivery from the left flank to guide the ball beyond Saidi Keni in our goal.

Musa Esenu missed a chance on 12 minutes and Dickson Nuwamanya rattled the crossbar deep in the added minutes after the regular 90 for Express to match away with all the three points.

Last Four Meetings

October 26, 2021

BUL FC 0-1 Express

September 23, 2021

BUL FC 1-0 Express FC (Uganda Cup)

February 20, 2021

BUL FC 0-4 Express FC

August 30, 2019

BUL FC 1-0 Express FC

Match Facts

BUL FC have won four, drawn six and lost three games from 13 away league matches this campaign.

The Eastern Giants are unbeaten in their past eight matches across all competions – winning and drawing four apiece.

They are also unbeaten in their last three away league matches, scoring four and conceding just two across them.

Isabirye’s men have also lost just once in their past six away matches although they count one win only from those trips.

Overall, Express have lost just two home league games in 13 matches this season, winning five and drawing six.

But the Red Eagles have won one game only in their past six matches (Express 2-1 Police in March).

They have conceded in each of their last six games, swallowing a total of nine goals to that effect.

However, James Odoch’s men have won their previous two league meetings with the Eastern Giants.

Match officials

Kimayo Stephen will be the man in the center, with Friday Noah and Atusinguza Robson his first and second assistant referee respectively. Kasalirwe Lucky will serve as the fourth official while Nsubuga Faisal will be the referee assessor.

How to follow the game

The match will not be anywhere on television. BUL FC fans can follow all the action on our:

Facebook page – BUL Football Club-Jinja

Twitter – @bulfc1

Instagram – bulfc1

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 0-0 ONDUPARAKA FC

The clash at Kyabazinga stadium finished with the points being shared between the Eastern Giants and Onduparaka FC on Saturday.

The game started with a battle of possession in the midfield, with a first opportunity falling to BUL FC when Ivan Wani swerved a cross into the box, Karim Ndugwa was at the end of it with a good header that Kagiri Michael in the visitors goal spilled before Patrick Matovu cleared the lines.

Wani, Karim Ndugwa and Jerome Kirya had their efforts later well dealt with Kagiri before Emmanuel Oketch forced Emmanuel Kalyowa into a save from a free kick near the edge of the box as both sides went into the break unscathed.

The second-half saw more of the same from both sides, with Onduparaka starting to take their time over restarts.

The introduction of Martin Aprem, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Simon Peter Oketch and Ibrahim Mugulusi midway through the second-half showed the intent to win, but the Caterpillars held out for the draw.

Oketch had some chances for BUL, with the first and second being blocked by Ojara Denis, another saved by Kagiri while the forward saw his diagonal header sail far wide and begging.

Onduparaka’s realistic attempt on goal in the second half came through Rashid Yakin as the midfielder powered a shot into the hands of Kalyowa from range. Emmanuel Oketch had an attempt from edge of the area later but Kalyowa in BUL’s goal spread his body wide to block it.

BUL won a series of set pieces in the closing exchanges but away through was elusive. The result has seen the Eastern Giants accumulate 46 points from 27 matches but remained unmoved from the fourth place.

Our next task will be away to Express on May 7.

Starting XI:

Emmanuel Kalyowa, Walter Ochora, Lawrence Kasadha ( Ibrahim Kazindula 64′),Richard Ayiko,Umar Mukobe,George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Ibrahim Mugulusi 76′), Richard Wandyaka (Ibrahim Nsimbe 62′), Ambrose Kirya (Simon Peter Oketch 62′),Karim Ndugwa, Ivan Wani (Martin Aprem 46′)

Unused Substitutes:

John Okurut, Allan kiggundu

MATCH PREVIEW: BUL FC VS ONDUPARAKA

Saturday April 30, 2022

Uganda premier league

Kick Off: 4PM

Two of the Uganda premier league’s in-form sides lock horns this Saturday as BUL FC play host to Onduparaka at Kyabazinga stadium.

The Eastern Giants defeated SC Villa 2-1 after extra time to earn a semi final spot in Uganda Cup, while George Lutalo’s side put two unanswered goals past Express last time out.

The reverse fixture in Arua saw BUL top their visitors 2-0 at Green Light stadium, thanks to Martin Aprem’s brace.

And they come into the clash in imperious form, having won five of our last eight games in all competitions.

Alex Isabirye’s side sit in fourth place with 45 points, just five behind second-placed KCCA FC with four matches remaining.

Onduparaka have won their past five league games in succession, scoring ten goals in them.

Their quintet of victories has also seen them concede just two goals in the process, although such resilience will be tested to the maximum against the Eastern Giants whose 47 goals in 26 matches as of now is the second best goal scoring record in the league.

The Caterpillars sit in eighth, level on 33 points with UPDF and five above SC Villa.

This will be the 12th meeting between the two sides.

Team News

Douglas Muganga will sit out of this clash because of a red card he received in our encounter with Gaddafi. Isabirye also confirmed Saidi Keni has not yet recovered from a knee injury, while the game has come too soon for Aggrey Madoi as well.

What they said:

Team manager – Alex Isabirye:

This is going to be a tough but exciting match and I expect fans to enjoy it given the fact that Onduparaka have won their games of recent and we are also improving game by game.

I have been telling you we are trying to learn how to win games and that has not changed yet, but this game maybe abit hard because Onduparaka may put up a strong fight but nevertheless, we expect to win it.

**Manager Alex giving instructions to midfielder Jerome Kirya**

Jerome Kirya said, “the morale in the camp is high and we are ready to work for the three points.”

Last time out

Monday April 25

SC Villa 1-2 BUL FC (AET)

The last outing for BUL FC saw them storm the semi finals of the Stanbic Uganda cup after beating SC Villa 2-1 in the quarter finals.

Saddam Masereka dragged SC Villa infront but Karim Ndugwa levelled the game for the Eastern Giants before a late goal from Ibrahim Nsimbe in extra time settled the battle.

BUL were reduced to ten men in the second half when George Kasonko was sent off for a second bookable offence on Masereka but despite having numerical disadvantage, BUL forced the game to extra time and eventually got the winning goal with five minutes to the end of extra time.

Head to head

BUL and Onduparaka have met on eleven occasions in the past. BUL have won five encounters with the Caterpillars winning two and the sides drawing four times.

**Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating with Ibrahim Kazindula**

Previous meeting

Saturday October 30,2021

Onduparaka 0-2 BUL FC

BUL FC beat Onduparaka FC 2-0 at Greenlight stadium in Arua.

Martin Aprem scored a brace as the Eastern Giants bundled the Caterpillars to their first loss of the season. The forward opened the scores eight minutes to the break before he completed his brace at the hour mark to seal the win for BUL FC.

Last four meetings

October 30, 2021

Onduparaka FC 0-2 BUL FC

May 22, 2021

BUL FC 3-1 Onduparaka FC

March 02, 2021

Onduparaka FC 0-1 BUL FC

March 04, 2021

BUL FC 4-0 Onduparaka FC

Match Facts

BUL FC have won eight games, drawn three and lost two in 13 home matches.

The Eastern Giants have the third best home record this campaign, only behind league leaders – Vipers SC and Arua Hill after accumulating 27 points, and scoring 26 goals and conceding just 8 at Kyabazinga stadium.

Isabirye’s side are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions as they have won four and drawn three.

They have also won their past four meetings with the Caterpillars, put forward ten goals and conceded one only across that run.

BUL are unbeaten in five matches as hosts to Onduparaka since 2016 with a record of three victories and two stalemates.

Only two teams have run away with maximum points from Kyabazinga stadium – Express (1-0) in October and Vipers SC (3-1) in early February but BUL have won four matches and drawn one since that loss to the Venoms

This fixture has produced 18 goals but BUL have a Lion share of 13 to their name.

Onduparaka’s two victories over the Eastern Giants came in 2018 (1-0) and 2019 (1-0) but all were at Green Light stadium.

The Caterpillars have won their past five matches, scored ten goals in them and kept three clean sheets.

Overall, the visitors have not been good travellers this campaign after winning just four matches, drawing two and losing seven of their 13 trips in the league, but, they are unbeaten in their last three away games with the previous defeat on the road being a 2-1 loss to URA in early March.

Match officials

The match will be handled by Komakech Charles as the center referee. He will be assisted by Kakembo Ahmed (first assistant referee) and Ichilla Samuel (second assistant referee). Sajjabi Geoffrey will be the fourth official while the match assessor will be Kityo Asuman.

How to follow the game

The match will not be anywhere on television. BUL FC fans can follow all the action on our:

Facebook page – BUL Football Club-Jinja

Twitter – @bulfc1

Instagram – bulfc1

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC QUALIFY FOR SEMI FINALS

Ten man BUL football club booked a place in the semi finals of the Stanbic Uganda cup for the second season running.

Karim Ndugwa turned the game and Ibrahim Nsimbe settled it in extra time as the Eastern Giants battled from behind to roll 2-1 over SC Villa in the quarterfinals on Monday.

**Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating his goal with teammates**

We were level 1-1 after the regular ninety minutes, and it required the extra thirty minutes to set the two teams apart.

The game looked like heading to spot kicks before Ibrahim Nsimbe scored a priceless winner on 115 minutes.

BUL fans were in strong voice at Fufa Technical Center as they cheered their team on every attack they made, and their faith was rewarded at the end of the game.

Alex Isabirye’s side had a lengthy spell of possession in the opening half and the hosts resorted to counter attacks.

Hillary Onek floated a sumptuous cross into the box inside two minutes but Gift Fred channeled it for a corner.

In just a while, SC Villa’s Sadam Masereka dribbled on the left and leaped our defense to force a save from Emmanuel Kalyowa on a quarter hour.

But that did not deter the Eastern Giants from dominating the proceedings, with Jerome Kirya in particular dictating the rhythm of the game with his silky passing.

However, it was the Jogoos who took the lead through Benson Muhindo on 16 minutes.

Kalyowa blocked Masereka’s efforts but the ball did not travel far and the pacy winger latched onto a loose ball in the box to smash in the opener.

Despite going 1-0 down, BUL were not discouraged, and with Just four minutes after half an hour, Ndugwa restored parity for the Eastern Giants.

A strong George Kasonko pass needed a brash from Martin Aprem for the forward to head past Martin Ssenkooto in SC Villa’s goal.

The major highlight in the second half was Kasonko’s red card on 69 minutes but chances were indeed few. Kasonko was sent off by referee Opio Deogracious for a second bookable offense following a foul on Masereka.

**Captain Walter Ochora inaction today**

Meanwhile BUL had a chance to wrap up the game with in the ninety minutes with only 17 minutes left on the clock.

Ndugwa and Kirya exchanged between themselves and the latter found Nsimbe whose efforts missed to the left and the referee called for extra time.

In a clever burst through the centre of the pitch five minutes to the end of the extra time, Ibrahim Mugulusi weaved his way through a crowd of the Jogoos in a tight space with some quick feet, before sliding the ball right to Umar Mukobe who delivered a sublime cross into the box for Nsimbe to node home after beating two defenders to the ball.

The goal proved to be the match winner and it sealed BUL FC’s spot in the last four.

Starting XI:

**BUL FC starting line up against Sc Villa**

Emmanuel Kalyowa, Douglas Muganga, Hillary Onek (Umar Mukobe 105′), Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Lawrence Kasadha), Richard Wandyaka, Martin Aprem (Ibrahim Mugulusi 106′), Karim Ndugwa (Ibrahim Kazindula 86′), Ivan Wani (Ibrahim Nsimbe 46′).

Unused Substitutes:

John Okurut, Owen Mukisa

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

Monday April 25

Kick off: 3PM

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

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

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

**Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating with teammates**

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

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

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

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

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

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

Team News

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

Coach’s opinion about the game:

Team manager – Alex Isabirye;

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

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

Player’s remarks:

Walter Ochora

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

Match officials

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

MATCH REPORT: BUL FC 1-1 KCCA FC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ibrahim Mugulusi in action today against KCCA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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