BUL football club have shot up to third place in the Uganda Premier League after beating Gaddafi FC 2-0 in the Rolex Derby at the Gaddafi Arena on Friday.
Hillary Onek and Jerome Kirya scored the goals for the Eastern Giants as they moved to 44 points after 25 matches.
Alex Isabirye’s men played nearly the whole of the second half with ten men after Douglas Muganga was issued matching orders one minute to the hour.
The Eastern Giants set the derby in motion and were on from the start as they wanted to get an early goal.
Karim Ndugwa had a chance after four minutes but his header missed the target.
Ibrahim Mugulusi lined up next with a chance for BUL but his freekick from 30 yards out sailed wild following a foul on Richard Wandyaka by Magumba Bakali.
A few moments later, the hosts fashioned a chance of their own.
Richard Basangwa saw his ferocious shot hit the military staff quarters down in the valley after a fast break via the left side as a result of neat exchanges between him and Faizal Muwawu near the center arc.
Wingback Onek then broke the deadlock on 13 minutes with a priceless beautiful header from inside the area to send the visiting fans into frenzy.
Mugulusi delivered a perfect corner from the right and Onek did justice to the ball with a good timing, and despite Ronald Mutebi in Gaddafi’s goal having a finger on the ball, it was not enough to stop it from finding the net.
Jerome Kirya in action today against Gaddafi
Gaddafi looked determined to find the equaliser, with Yunus Sibira and Amos Kirya sending a couple of shots but BUL FC held onto their 1-0 lead into the break.
In the second period, Muganga was given a red card on 59 minutes following a 50-50 challenge with Muwawu.
Gaddafi sprung numerous waves of attack going forward given their numerical advantage but BUL used all of their superiority and quality to keep an iron grip on the game, and Kirya snuffed out any chance the Soldier Boys had of recovering when he headed in a second in the 79th minute and wrap up the points.
BUL fc officials celebrating Jerome kirya goal.
The Eastern Giants will be out again next week against KCCA FC at Kyabazinga stadium.
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa Aggrey Madoi Douglas Muganga Richard Ayiko Pascal Ngobi George Kasonko (Ibrahim Nsimbe 47′) Jerome Kirya Hillary Onek Ibrahim Mugulusi (Reagan Kalyowa 60′) Richard Wandyaka Karim Ndugwa (Allan Kiggundu 63′)
Unused Substitutes:
John Okuruti Lawrence Kasadha Owen Mukisa Ambrose Kirya
BUL football club is back in action over the Easter Period as Alex Isabirye’s side face a trip to Gaddafi FC in the Uganda Premier League on Good Friday.
Emmanuel Kalyowa in action
It’s a huge and a vital fixture for both sides; the Eastern Giants aim to get back into the top four after being leapfrogged by Express whilst the Soldier Boys as well are praying for a positive result from this face off to further their distance from the scramble for survival.
The Eastern Giants have not lost in their past five matches, and will arrive in the barracks fresh from the wonderful 2-0 win over URA FC at Kyabazinga stadium last time out, and to add to what already looks a fascinating contest, the third position is possible for Isabirye’s men this Friday given they are just two points off URA. That means victory is the least the team will want from this tie.
As for the Soldier Boys, they are winless in seven games, sitting in 9th position with just 28 points, four places behind BUL who are fifth with 41 points.
Richard Ayiko in action
The Eastern Giants previously met Mubarak Wamboya’s side early in the 2021/2022 season, Alex Kitata’s goal looked to have given the Soldier Boys the points before an improved display from BUL deep in the second half saw Richard Ayiko score a late equaliser.
This will be the second league meeting between the two sides.
Team News
Isabirye has confirmed five players will miss this contest. Saidi Keni is still out with a knee injury while Ibrahim Kazindula, Fredson Gwoto, Simon Peter Oketch and Walter Ochora have joined him in the pysio room.
What they said:
Team manager Alex Isabirye:
“We are playing against a team fighting relegation but we are now used to playing such sides because we have previously played against Busoga United, Mbarara City and Bright Stars, but this time, it’s a derby and that makes it a tough game.”
“But we are ready and we expect to win.”
“And as I always tell you, we are trying to build a team that will compete for trophies in the next seasons.”
Ibrahim Mugulusi:
“A derby match is always hard to play and I don’t expect this one to be any different but we are well prepared, and we are confident about getting a good result from this game.”
Last time out
Monday April 04
BUL FC 2-0 URA FC
Richard Wandyaka bagged a brace as BUL FC beat URA FC 2-0 at Kyabazinga stadium. Wandyaka brought down an inviting cross from Hillary Onek on 33 minutes for the opener before sealing the win on 55 minutes with a sublime finish following a flick from Karim Ndugwa.
The visitors had chances of their own but they failed to convert.
Head to Head
P3 W1 D2
This fixture has produced three meetings. BUL have won once while two games (friendly matches) ended in a draw.
Previous Meeting
November 28, 2021
BUL FC 1-1 Gaddafi FC
Gaddafi took a surprise lead through substitute Alex Kitatta but Richard Ayiko scored a late equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw for BUL FC at Kyabazinga stadium on Sunday afternoon in Bugembe.
Kitatta squeezed the ball through Saidi Keni on 58 minutes following a well laid pass from Brian Kalumba to break the deadlock.
But BUL’s fine moment arrived with five minutes left on the clock, from about 35 yards, Ayiko sent a teasing cross that found it’s way past goalkeeper Ronald Mutebi to level the game, and the goal ultimately earned the Eastern Giants a point from the derby.
Match facts
BUL FC have won three games, drawn six and lost three from their 12 away matches to collect 15 points on the road.
The Eastern Giants are unbeaten in their past five games, winning three and drawing the other two
BUL have also scored in 11 of their 12 away league matches, the only blank page being the 3-0 defeat to Bright Stars in March. The 12 matches have borne 19 goals and 20 conceded.
But Isabirye’s men have gone seven trips without winning in the league, drawing five and losing twice in that course, with the last victory coming in December last year against Tooro United
This is the second competitive but fourth meeting between the two teams, matters were even on the first league encounter in late November last year but the Eastern Giants can point to a 1-0 win and a two all draw from their previous two friendly matches.
Gaddafi FC have won five games, drawn four and lost three from their 12 home league matches.
But the Soldier Boys are winless in their previous seven matches, drawing four and losing three times across those games.
Match officials
Ssali Mashood has been appointed the center referee for this clash. He will be assisted by Agil Tonny and Obua Tobby as the first and second assistant referee, while Mpyangu Siraji will serve as the fourth official.
How to follow the game
The match will be live on Sanyuka television. Alternatively, BUL FC fans can also follow all the action on our:
Full back Aggrey Madoi and midfield schemer – Ibrahim Mugulusi have each signed a two year contract extension with BUL football club.
Ibrahim Mugulusi renewing his contract
Both players’ current contracts were set to expire in June and July 2022 respectively.
Madoi said,
“I am excited because my contract has been renewed. I now promise to play better and help this team move forward and perform better as well.”
“This gesture by the club shows how much they trust me, so, I will give them what they expect from me.“
Aggrey Madoi signing his contract extension at BUL FC.
Mugulusi was equally elated to extend his stay at the club.
“This is a wonderful feeling because it means the club sees the best in me. I am now pretty sure I will do more here at this club in these two years,” he said.
Team manager – Alex Isabirye commented:
Manager Alex posing with Ibrahim Mugulusi
“Madoi has done a tremendous job this season, adding to his excellent performances last season when we were fighting relegation.”
“Mugulusi has not featured in many games this season but he is a good player.”
Manager Alex with Aggrey Madoi
Madoi and Mugulusi are firm fan favourites at Kyabazinga Stadium having made a positive impact since they arrived at the Eastern Giants in 2020.
We put up a scintillating performance at Kyabazinga stadium to beat URA FC 2-0 and register our eleventh Uganda Premier League win this season.
Richard Wandyaka’s -34th minute goal and a second, eleven minutes into the second period helped BUL FC consolidate their position in the top four of the Uganda Premier League on Monday.
BUL FC starting line up against URA
With confidence high after going four matches unbeaten, we came out roaring during a pleasant start to the game.
Karim Ndugwa and Wandyaka were influential as they tore the heart of the Tax collectors backline apart and with Martin Aprem pulling the strings, the opening goal looked a matter of time.
When it popped up, it came from Wandyaka on four minutes off half an hour. He calmed a pass from Hillary Onek on his right foot inside the box, he then spun outwards before skipping Alionzi Nafian in URA’s goal to tap in an empty net which sparked jubilant celebrations.
Simon Peter Oketch in action against URA
In the early exchanges of the contest, the visitors had a couple of chances of their own as well.
Joachim Ojera breezed past Richard Ayiko on the right but his effort from range was direct to goal keeper Emmanuel Kalyowa with just eight minutes into the game.
The net minder was again forced to race off his line to palm the ball across to his left for a throw in following Ivan Sserubiri’s corner kick on 17 minutes before Kalyowa was for another time forced to clear Cromwell Rwothomio’s dropping header using his feet.
Benjamin Nyakoojo also had his spinning header sail over the bar off Sserubiri’s free kick.
BUL’s defense kept their boots on the ground and their heads sky high as they kept the gateways water tight through out the 45 minutes as the Eastern Giants went into the break with a slim but important advantage.
After the interval, Alex Isabirye’s men picked from where they had stopped.
Wandyaka fired into the roof top past Nafian from close range to double BUL’s advantage on 56 minutes with Ndugwa providing the assist.
Richard Wandyaka celebrating with teammates after scoring a brace.
Jerome Kirya had the ball back into his path after taking a corner one minute after the hour mark but his strike was equally met by the goalkeeper before Najib Fesali blocked Ibrahim Nsimbe’s goal bound shot on 86 minutes.
Despite the victory, the Eastern Giants’ position on the table remain unchanged as they continue to rank fourth but with 41 points, one behind third placed KCCA FC who have played three games less.
Next in line is a visit to Gaddafi Arena for our clash with Gaddafi FC on April 15.
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa (G.K), Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya (Owen Mukisa 76′), Martin Aprem (Reagan Kalyowa 76′), Hillary Onek (Ambrose Kirya 90+2), Simon Peter Oketch (Ibrahim Nsimbe 58′), Karim Ndugwa, Richard Wandyaka.
It’s the Eastern Giants versus the Tax collectors on Monday evening as fourth placed BUL football club host second placed URA FC in a mouth watering clash at Kyabazinga stadium.
BUL FC players posing for a line up photo
BUL FC go into the game looking to build on the recent back to back draws over Busoga United and Mbarara City, and with just seven matches remaining, it’s an important three points up for grabs as the Eastern Giants look to cement a top four finish this season.
Alex Isabirye’s men have recorded ten victories, eight draws and five losses from 23 matches to date, with 38 points there to be shown for that feat.
URA come into the game with a seven game unbeaten streak, while their last defeat can only be traced two months back when they lost 1-0 away to KCCA FC in early February.
Both sides settled for a two all draw on their first meeting in November. Steven Mukwala opened the deadlock for URA, Shagik Kagimu extended their advantage after the interval but BUL FC responded with a resilient show as Musa Esenu and Joseph Semujju struck in the second half to draw the game level.
This will be the 22 meeting between the two teams.
Team News
Pascal Ngobi will miss this encounter because of suspension but there is some good news. Goal keeper Saidi Keni is working on his way to recovery and will be subjected to a late fitness test to see if he can feature tomorrow.
What they said:
Team Manager – Alex Isabirye:
This is another tough game. URA is ahead of us with five points clear. Therefore, we need to work hard and try to reduce that gap. We have gone two matches without a win but this time we are at home and well prepared. So, I believe we shall win the game.
Richard Wandyaka said that, ” we expect to win the game because we are so much prepared,” and asked the fans to turn up in big numbers.
Last time out
March 28, 2022
Mbarara City 1-1 BUL FC – Kakyeka Stadium
BUL FC played out a one all draw with Mbarara City at Kakyeka Stadium last Monday.
Solomon Okwalinga put the Ankole Lions in front with a first half strike but Ibrahim Nsimbe scored late on 79 minutes to deny them maximum points.
Henry Kitegenyi should have put Mbarara City ahead in the early moments of the contest but put his effort from inside the box over the bar.
Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating his goal with teammates
Okwalinga finally headed the hosts into the lead off Steven Othieno’s cross on the stroke of half time.
Five minutes after the break, Seiri Arigumaho failed to convert his chance as he shot straight at Emmanuel Kalyowa while through on goal.
And Nsimbe showed him how to score with a well-deserved equalizer for BUL FC eleven minutes from time.
Head to Head
There have been 21 league meetings between BUL FC and URA since November 2011, resulting in two BUL FC wins, 10 URA victories and nine draws
Previous Meeting
November 20, 2021
URA FC 2-2 BUL FC – Arena of visions
Joseph Ssemujju scored a late penalty to equalise for the Eastern Giants in the 2-2 draw with URA at the Arena of Visions.
Steven Mukwala scored as early as the third minute for the tax collectors and Shafik Kagimu put them 2-0 up just two minutes after the break.
But Musa Esenu halved the deficit with a fine goal in the 58th minute and with the game looking like URA’s, Viane Ssekajugo handled in the box and Ssemujju struck from the penalty spot to win a point for the Eastern Giants.
Last four meetings
January 15, 2020
BUL FC 1-3 URA FC
December 15, 2020
BUL FC 0-2 URA FC
April 16, 2021
URA FC 3-1 BUL FC
November 20, 2021
URA 2-2 BUL FC
Match facts
BUL FC have won seven, drawn two and lost two games from their 11 home league matches this season.
In their last nine matches at Kyabazinga stadium, the Eastern Giants have won six, drawn twice and lost once.
Isabirye’s men have also kept eight clean sheets from 25 outings across all competitions this campaign.
The 25 matches have borne 47 goals while 29 have been conceded.
BUL have two wins only against URA in the league and all the victories were identical scores of 1-0, the first occurred in April of 2016, whilst the second happened in February 2018
Of the nine stalemates in this fixture, five were one all draws. two were goalless, while the other two were two all draws.
URA FC have the second best away record in the league after winning four, drawing five and losing two games to collect 17 points from their 11 trips.
And they have won three times against BUL from their last four meetings.
But the Tax collectors have won once in their last four away matches this season.
How to follow the game
The clash will be live on Sanyuka television but our fans can follow our social media channels as well for minute by minute updates.
BUL football club have settled for a one all draw from their visit to Mbarara City at Kakyeka stadium on Monday.
Ibrahim Nsimbe scored for the Eastern Giants to even the game on 79 minutes after Solomon Okwalinga had put the Ankole Lions in front in the first half.
BUL FC starting line up against Mbarara city
This contest was understandably cagey as both teams worked hard but scoring chances were sparse, with BUL’s only close attempt in the opening period coming on 11 minutes when Jerome Kirya launched a beautiful shot but it agonizingly went wide.
The first half looked like ending barren and all square but Okwalinga floated in the air to head home for his side off Steven Othieno cross in added minutes after the normal 45.
We were lucky not to go two down after the recess when Seiri Arigumaho missed a chance on 50 minutes.
Ibrahim Nsimbe celebrating after scoring in the 79th minute
Five minutes later, the Eastern Giants moved through the gears and menaced City’s defense.
Nsimbe got in behind but Muhammad Ssekebba in Ankole Lions’ goal was quick to come to their rescue.
On the hour mark, the forward saw another effort from him miss by inches, with Richard Wandyaka also putting his header wide two minutes later.
After being paddocked in their own half for the large parts of the second half, Mbarara City tried to push forward and came close to doubling their lead with a quarter hour left on the clock. Sadat Nsubuga picked out Swalik Bebe, but he could only fire his effort over the bar from close range
Hillary Onek in action today
The most important moment arrived on the 79 minutes when Nsimbe scored to restore parity for BUL FC, and it proved to be the last goal in the game.
The result has seen the Eastern Giants move to 38 points after 23 matches, one point better of Arua Hill SC who are in a neck’s distance from us on the table.
URA FC is our next opponent one week from now at Kyabazinga stadium.
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa, Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, George Kasonko, Pascal Ngobi, Jerome Kirya, Martin Aprem, Hillary Onek, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Richard Wandyaka
Substitutes:
John Okurut, Aggrey Madoi, Ibrahim Kazindula, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Simon Peter Oketch, Ambrose Kirya,UmarOthieno’s
It’s a third back-to-back away trip for the Eastern Giants across all competitions in a space of just one week as we travel to Kakyeka stadium to take on Mbarara City this Monday.
BUL are unbeaten in their last three games after a vital home win over Tooro United was followed up by victory in Uganda cup and a share of the spoils away at Kakindu stadium last time out as the Eastern Giants held Busoga United to a point.
BUL FC players posing for a photo in a league game.
The Eastern Giants will be looking to secure their eleventh UPL victory of the season, having already beaten the Ankole Lions at the Kyabazinga stadium back in November of the previous year.
Ibrahim Nsimbe’s 65th minute strike proved to be decisive that day and there can be no doubt that the team will be looking for a repeat on Monday.
BUL is currently fourth on the table with 37 points from 22 matches, only ahead of Arua Hill SC on goal difference, meaning that their destiny of a top four finish is in their own hands and if they have the chance to defeat Mbarara City by a heavy margin, then they must take that with both hands.
From their 22 fixtures so far, the Ankole Lions have taken 18 points from a possible 66, and they are four points from safety as they sit 15th on the 16 team log with eight matches remaining.
With them having not won any of their last 12 games, they will also be hoping to improve their form between now and the end of the season to boost their bid of trying to escape the drop zone.
Matches between the two sides have often been closely-fought affairs, with this being their tenth meeting since 2017.
Team News
Captain Saidi Keni is still outwith a knee injury andstriker Karim Ndugwa will miss the game due to accumulated yellow cards. The rest of the squad is available for selection.
What they said
Coach James Magala
Coach James Magala We are playing Mbarara city tomorrow the game will be tough we didn’t have enough time from our previous game against Busoga United to recover but the boys are ohk and we will do our best to win the game.
Hillary Onek We thank the Almighty for the journey mercies to Mbarara, we are here for a mission and that’s winning our tomorrow’s game the team is in good condition and morale is high. We corrected our mistakes we made in the last game and we are winning tomorrow.
Full back Hillary Onek
Last time out
March 25, 2022
Busoga United 1-1 BUL FC
The closely contested Jinja derby went to the dawn with scores all square.
Busoga United looked like marching away with all the three points after Isaac Wagoina had given them a first half lead but the Eastern Giants staged an onslaught in the second half, with their efforts paying off one minute from fulltime, thanks to Karim Ndugwa’s goal in the 89th minute.
Head to Head
P9 W3 D3 L3
There has been nine meetings between these sides, and the encounters have produced three wins for BUL, three for Mbarara City and three draws.
Previous Meeting
November 02, 2021
BUL FC 1-0 Mbarara City
We got our third victory of this campaign against the Ankole Lions in Jinja. Ibrahim Nsimbe came off the bench to score the winning goal five minutes off the hour.
The forward dispatched a fine volley past advancing goalkeeper Muhammed Ssekeba off an inviting delivery from the right flank by roving wingback Umar Mukobe. The result put the Eastern Giants to third position on the table.
Last four meetings
November 02, 2021
BUL FC 1-0 Mbarara City
May 9, 2021
BUL FC 1-1 Mbarara City
March 17, 2021
Mbarara City 1-1 BUL FC
February 26, 2020
Mbarara City 1-0 BUL FC
Match Facts
BUL FC has won three matches, drawn five and lost three games away from home, and has scored 18 goals and conceded 19 in those matches.
The Eastern Giants have lost just twice in their past six trips in the league, but their previous league victory on the road was in December last year against Tooro United.
BUL’s three league victories away from Kyabazinga stadium this campaign have been over sides wrestling relegation – Onduparaka, SC Villa and Tooro United, Mbarara City is second from the bottom of the 16 team log, four points from safety.
Isabirye’s side is unbeaten in the last three meetings with the Ankole Lions, won one and drawn two. And the previous slump to Mbarara City happened two years ago, a 1-0 loss at Kakyeka stadium in February 2020.
But BUL is winless in their past four visits to the Ankole Lions. They have lost three and drawn one game, conceded five goals and scored just two at the other end.
Two players only have managed to score for the Eastern Giants when visitors to Mbarara City. Jean Pierre Muhindo found the net in our 2-1 defeat to the Mbarara side in April 2018, and the second is Simon Peter Oketch after he scored in the one all draw in March 2021.
This fixture has produced 17 goals since 2017, and BUL has 10 to their name.
Of the 11 matches at home this term, Mbarara City has wrapped up four wins, five draws and lost just two to collect 17 points from Kakyeka stadium.
The Ankole Lions are unbeaten in their last four home league matches – drawing all of them, with the previous loss in the league at Kakyeka occurring in late December last year to Gaddafi FC.
Two teams only have inflicted defeated to Mbarara City at Kakyeka stadium in the league this campaign- Gaddafi FC and table leaders – Vipers SC.
But they are winless in their past 12 outings, drawn five and lost seven matches. Their last victory was a 3-2 win over Onduparaka in December 2021.
They have also scored just one goal in their past five games, and allowed in five.
Karim Ndugwa’s 7th goal of the season sealed a 1-1 sweet draw with Busoga United at Kakindu stadium on Friday.
Most of the action was in the middle of the park for large parts of the first half as both sides tried to stamp authority onto the thrilling contest.
BUL FC starting lineup against Busoga united
Busoga United got the derby rolling with neat passing and direct approach, and just a few minutes after kick off, Isaac Wagoina made an attempt which was cleared by Richard Ayiko.
Their efforts paid off just after six minutes when Wagoina scored to drive them into the lead.The winger was at the receiving end of a high ball off Elvis Ngonde’s tempting corner kick that he pressed first time for it to deflect off some bodies before spinning past Emmanuel Kalyowa in BUL FC’s goal.
The Eastern Giants steadied themselves and went on the front foot in search for an equaliser.
Richard Ayiko’s effort from a free kick from nearly 30 yards was saved by Busoga United’s goal keeper Andrew Sekandi.
BUL FC players in action today
And as half time approached, Ibrahim Nsimbe was in the path of a flicked ball from Ndugwa and the forward looked to get in on the goal-scoring action, forcing Sekandi into a save down low on the left as the Eastern Giants edged closer to a getting a leveller.
Manager Alex Isabirye tweaked his team swiftly after the recess, with Martin Aprem replacing Ibrahim Mugulusi on the 46th minute, and eight minutes later, it became a Jerome Kirya show after the midfielder replaced Ibrahim Kazindula.
BUL dominated play with Kirya the chief architect as he picked up balls from defense and acted as the gateway to Busoga’s area with silky passes.
The Eastern Giants dominated the proceedings with never ending pressure and we would have Hillary Onek link up very well with Ndugwa but the later’s ball into box was blocked for a corner.
Aggrey Madoi had an effort go wild as the Eastern Giants laid siege in the host’s half before Ndugwa’s attempt from inside the box was well held by the goal keeper.
Karim Ndugwa in action
After numerous efforts, the Eastern Giants finally froze a hot Kakindu stadium with a late equaliser on 89 minutes.
Ndugwa got in behind Busoga’s defense following an over the top ball and lofted the leather over the on-rushing Sekandi to score in an empty net which left the home team almost breathless.
The draw sees BUL football club tighten grip on the fourth place on the table with 37 points after 22 matches. Next is a trip to Mbarara City on Monday March 28.
Starting XI
Emmanuel Kalyowa Richard Ayiko Walter Ochora Aggrey Madoi Pascal Ngobi Ibrahim Kazindula (Jerome Kirya 54′) Simon Peter Oketch Hillary Onek (Reagan Kalyowa 83′) Ibrahim Mugulusi (Martin Aprem 46′) Ibrahim Nsimbe (Richard Wandyaka 63′) Karim Ndugwa
The Eastern Giants make the short trip to the city centre to face Busoga United at Kakindu stadium for what will be the third meeting of the sides this season.
We go there on the back of a hard fought 4-3 penalty shoot out victory away to Bright Stars in the round of 16 of Uganda Cup on Tuesday but our hosts come into the game on the back of a 2-0 loss away to table leaders Vipers SC.
BULFC players posing for a line up photo
BUL has two wins in as many games against Abbey Kikomeko’s side this campaign and that’s something the Eastern Giants will be looking to extend at Kakindu on Tuesday.
BUL FC ran out 5-0 winners in the first league meeting at Kyabazinga stadium in December last year before the two neighbors were paired in Uganda Cup, with the Eastern Giants taking command of the contest with a 3-0 win.
If previous games are anything to go by, this one could be another close encounter.
Ibrahim Kazindula in action
With the hosts having two wins and a draw from their last four and continually pushing their quest for survival, and BUL very much in the contest for a top four spot, it certainly has the makings of a good game despite Busoga being located in the 13th place on the table, nine positions and 15 points adrift of the Eastern Giants.
Our hosts can only count six wins to their name after drawing three games and losing 12 to collect 21 points.
Whilst Alex Isabirye’s men have put up impressive performances this campaign, with a 4th place and 36 points there to show for their ten wins, six draws and five losses from 21 matches.
This clash represents the 13th meeting between the two Jinja clubs. Victory for BUL FC will draw them level on points with third placed URA.
Team News
Goalkeeper Saidi Keni is the only absentee for tomorrow’s showdown as confirmed by team manager Alex Isabirye. He is still nursing a knee injury. The rest of the players are in the right state to play.
The manager also shared his thoughts about the game.
Team Manager Isabirye:
“We won them 3-0 at Kakindu in Uganda Cup but I expect tomorrow’s game to be different. They are fighting relegation but we also want to finish strongly, either in second or third place.”
“So, the game will not be an easy one but we have been training well, my players are ready and we expect to win this game.”
Simon Peter Oketch expressed the team’s readiness and desire to win the game, stating that, “we are well prepared as players for tomorrow’s game,” and also called upon our fans to flock to Kakindu to cheer on the team.
Last time out
March 22, 2022
Bright Stars 2(3)-2(4) BUL FC
Penalty shoot outs were needed to separate the Eastern Giants from Bright Stars at round of 16 of the Uganda Cup. Karim Ndugwa scored a brace but it was not enough as Derrick Were and Nelson Senkatuka scored for their side to level the game at different intervals in regular time.
On target for BUL FC in the shoot out were Richard Wandyaka, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Ibrahim Kazindula, and Aggrey Madoi. Nelson Senkatuka, Ibrahim Kasinde and Meddie Kyeyune scored for Bright Stars.
Head to Head
P12 W4 D5 L3
This fixture has produced 12 meetings between the two teams in all competitions, resulting into four wins for BUL, three victories for Busoga and five draws.
Previous Meeting
February 25, 2022
Karim Ndugwa’s first half double and Walter Ochora’s last minute goal ensured BUL FC advanced to the round of 16 of the Stambic Uganda Cup in our last meeting with Busoga United.
Richard Ayiko delivered an inviting cross in the box for Ndugwa to head in on 23 minutes, he would score a penalty 14 minutes later to double our lead. Ochora then capitalised on a defensive lapse late on in the second half to score our third and seal the victory. The win earned the Eastern Giants a place in the last 16 of the Uganda Cup.
Last four encounters
December 08, 2020
Busoga United 1-3 BUL FC
April 24, 2021
BUL FC 0-1 Busoga United
December 07, 2021
BUL FC 5-0 Busoga United
February 25, 2022
Busoga United 0-3 BUL FC
Match facts
BUL FC have won three times, drawn four and lost three games in ten (10) away matches.
Isabirye’s men have scored 40 goals this term, 17 of them have come on the road.
The Eastern Giants have lost once in their past five league matches, winning three and drawing the other.
But they haven’t won away from home in the league since the turn of the year, with the last victory coming against Tooro United on December 10, 2021.
BUL FC players celebrating
And they count only two clean sheets away from home, a 2-0 win over Onduparaka at the end of October last year in the league and the 3-0 Uganda Cup win against Busoga United.
BUL have won their last two meetings with Busoga United, winning 5-0 in December last year and 3-0 in February 2022.
The Eastern Giants have also lost once in their past six visits to Busoga United, winning two and sharing points on three occasions. David Bagoole and Lawrence Tezikya scored for Busoga in their 2-1 win on February 01, 2020. Musa Walangalira got the consolation goal for BUL.
This derby has produced 28 goals since 2016, 17 of them scored by BUL FC.
The ties involving these two teams have produced at least a goal except on two occasions – the barren stalemates of September 2016 and March 2017.
Busoga United have won three, drawn two and lost five home matches this campaign.
But they have lost once in their past four league matches, winning two games, drawing one, and keeping three clean sheets across them
Since turning to Kakindu stadium in February for their home matches, the team has lost only one league game from there.
But they have not found a goal in their last two outings.
Match Officials:
Komakech Charles will be the man in the center. Happy Badru and Aweko Kevin will be his deputies as the first and second assistant referee. Ochom Joseph will serve as the fourth official while Adipo Catherine will act as the referee assessor.
How to Follow
This derby will not be cast live on television but our fans can follow all the action with our text updates on our various media platforms.
BUL football club and Bright Stars convene again at Kavumba recreation grounds this Tuesday, just Ten days after their Uganda Premier league meeting at the same venue, for their Uganda Cup round of 16 battle.
Bright Stars scored three unanswered goals in that last face off through Ibrahim Kasinde, Joseph Janjali and Methodius Jungu as Simon Mugerwa’s side got the better of the Eastern Giants.
Walter Ochora battlng Richard Wandyaka in training
But in what will be the first ever clash between the two sides in Uganda Cup, BUL are hoping to fare better than their fellow UPL side in this contest.
The Eastern Giants recovered well from the March 11 defeat with a 2-0 win over Tooro United, while Bright Stars were victims of 1-0 loss to Arua Hill last time out.
It has been nine victories for the hosts, and three wins for BUL FC in 18 meetings since 2013. Six have been draws, and with a quarter final slot in a nose’s distance, the Eastern Giants are focused on putting a stop on Bright Stars’ dominance in this fixture.
Joram Kirya in training
To reach this level, Bright Stars eliminated Free Stars 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time to progress to the round of 32 where they beat KCCA FC 1-0 at Lugogo.
Marvin Youngman scored for them that all important goal.
Karim Ndugwa scored a brace, and Walter Ochora poked in the third goal as BUL knocked out Busoga United 3-0 at Kakindu stadium in the round of 32.
Team News:
Manager Alex Isabirye has confirmed Ibrahim Mugulusi and Jerome Kirya have fully recovered and they are fit to play, meaning he now has a full squad at his disposal.
Manager Alex with his technical team
Isabirye also shared his thoughts about the game
“We know what it means to win tomorrow’s game because it’s the onlyone we have.“
“This is a knockout competition and we lost 3-0 to Bright Stars in the league but we have been training to see that we get the best result out of this game.”
“The players are now ready and I believe we can win the game.”
