Our dream to defend the Uganda cup has varnished following a 2-1 loss to Police in the quarter finals.
The Eastern Giants went all through last season, beating Vipers 3-1 in the final to lift the cup but that will not be repeated this time after crushing out of the competition on Wednesday at Kavumba.
All was well in the beginning, and the trip to Lira looked likely and clear at the start of the game as Anthony Mayanja fired a fabulous strike to give BUL the lead with just two minutes played.
But our hopes to storm the third consecutive semi final paled after the break when Pascal Ngobi leveled the game for the Cops after the initial header by Jackson Ssemugabi hit the upright three minutes to the hour mark.
On 64 minutes, Ronald Sempala pounced in a header off Denis Kalanzi’s scooped ball to put the hosts in charge.
This was the final stroke for BUL as all the efforts by the Eastern Giants to come back into the game remained futile.
Next is a Uganda premier league trip to Kakindu stadium to face neighbors Busoga United in the Jinja derby on April 21.
Starting XI:
Emmanuel Kalyowa (Saidi Keni GK 83′), Richard Ayiko, Douglas Muganga, Hillary Onek, Aggrey Madoi (Shafiq Kwikiriza 46′), Pascal Ngobi, Anthony Mayanja, Jerome Kirya, Richard Wandyaka (Ibrahim Mugulusi 69′), Martin Aprem (Edrine Mawerere), Ibrahim Nsimbe (Samuel Ssekamatte 69′)
Wednesday April 12, 2023 Uganda Cup Quarter Finals Police FC Vs BUL FC Kavumba Recreation Grounds Kick-off: 3PM
The Eastern Giants are set to meet Angelo Lonyesi’s Police FC at Kavumba recreation grounds in the quarter finals on Wednesday, with both sides eying to book a spot in the semi finals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
BUL come into the game on the back of 2-1 defeat at Express in the league, making it seven matches without a win since the turn of the second round.
But they can take pride in their flawless form in the cup – winning all their three games in the competition this campaign, a run that includes a 1-0 win over Sparks SC in the round of 64, another 1-0 victory came against SC Villa and there was also a similar score against Onduparaka in the round of 16 at Green Light stadium.
Hillary Onek, Ibrahim Nsimbe and Martin Aprem are the players that have scored along the run respectively.
A win will see BUL reach the final four of the cup for the third consecutive time.
They face the cops who have equally not lost a game in this knockout competition, and are hoping to reach their first cup semi-final since playing the final in 2003.
To reach this stage, Police beat Apuutun FC 1-0 at the round of 64 before replicating the score against Pajule Lions on the next level. They then defeated Ndejje University 2-0 in the round of 16 to qualify for the quarters.
Lonyesi’s men are however fighting on two fronts this season although their bid for promotion to the topflight league is cloudy for now as they sit fourth in the second tier.
They were 5-2 winners in their previous game against Luwero United, having failed to win in their last three league outings.
Team News:
In the press briefing on Tuesday, coach Simeon Masaba said the team is improving by each day through hard work and is confident goals will be easy to find tomorrow.
“The boys are very ready, we have tried to correct the mistakes,” he said.
“And in this type of competition, it’s not the kind of form you have, you only need to play the ninety minutes, win and go through to the next stage.”
“We are trying everyday and hopefully tomorrow we shall get the goals and the results as well.”
“This is the moment we need our fans most. Let them come, cheer us, pray for us, be behind us so that we get the results.”
Captain George Kasonko said;
“Police is a big team and is experienced. Their being in the big league doesn’t matter, what matters most is the game tomorrow,” he said
“It gives us no any other chance, the only option is us winning.”
“The team currently has a challenge of scoring goals, but scoring isn’t only for the strikers.”
“Everyone else can score – be it the defenders or the midfielders but the coaches have worked on that and we expect to score goals tomorrow.”
The winner between the sides will book a place in the semi finals.
FUFA TV will be broadcast the game live. However, our social media channels will as also provide a good account of the action with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report and match highlights.
It was a frustrating afternoon for BUL FC as the Eastern Giants lost for the seventh time this season, losing 2-1 to ten man Express at FUFA technical centre.
Playing under the unforgiving sun that was scorching everything breathing oxygen, Express scored two goals before the half-time whistle to complete the double over BUL on Wednesday.
Boban Zirintusa opened the scoring for the red eagles, pouncing in a header past Saidi Keni off an Allan Kayiwa corner as early as the 11th minute.
And midway the first half, former Eastern Giant Anwar Ntege capitalized on a defensive mix-up following a set piece situation to sweep home a second for Express.
BUL created little in response as the visitors eased into the break 2-0 up.
After the recess, Simeon Masaba turned to his bench and picked out Julius Baraza and Anthony Mayanja to change fortunes on the pitch, with the latter operating in an advanced position while supporting Martin Aprem in the attack.
With two minutes left to clock the hour mark, the visitors were reduced to ten men when Anwar Ntege was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Richard Ayiko.
The Eastern Giants however failed to benefit from the numerical advantage to tilt the game into our favor as our former goalkeeper Abdul Kimera and his shield kept it tight in the back.
It was instead the visitors who almost scored a third when Zirintusa weaved through the middle but he sent his strike wide while Joseph Akandwanaho also failed to beat Saidi Keni from close range.
Following a couple of further changes, Masaba’s men hit the front foot after the introduction of Paul Ssekulima and Shafik Kwikiriza.
They finally beat Express’ wall and pulled one back in the added five minutes when Arthur Kiggundu scored in his own net.
Focus now turns to the Uganda cup quarter finals scheduled for Wednesday next week against Police at Kavumba.
Starting XI:
Saidi Keni (GK), Douglas Muganga, Richard Ayiko, Aggrey Madoi (Paul Ssekulima 60′), Richard Wandyaka (Shafiq kwikiriza 75′)Hillary Onek, Pascal Ngobi (Emmanuel Kalyowa 39), George Kasonko, Ibrahim Mugulusi (Julius Baraza 46′), Martin Aprem, Samuel Sekamatte (Anthony Mayanja 46′)
Saturday April 8, 2023 Uganda Premier League BUL Vs Express FUFA Technical Centre Kick-off: 2PM
FUFA technical centre will be rocking on Saturday as BUL FC sets sight on returning to winning ways against Express.
This clash follows a frustrating run of six league matches without victory for the Eastern Giants, earning just three points from a possible 18 in the second round so far.
A total count of 30 points from 20 games means that the Eastern Giants are currently sitting third on the table, 10 points behind leaders – SC Villa, while it’s just one point separating us from the fourth placed Vipers SC who have four games in hand.
Putting maximum points on the board therefore seems a matter of urgency now and match day 22 provides the chance for us to change the tide and light up the season again.
In the visitors corner, Express will be looking to build on their impressive showings last time out when they smashed Onduparaka 4-1 at the end of last month.
But they have not been the best side either generally, as their five wins and seven draws from 19 matches puts them on 22 points to sit in the 11th place.
Statistics also show a return of only two points for the red eagles from their last five games on the road, meaning they rarely show up in away matches.
They however won the reverse fixture between the sides 1-0 courtesy of Allan Kayiwa’s early strike in November when they met at Wankulukuku.
Team News
Reagan Kalyowa will be absent from this game as well as Ronald Otti and Jerome Kirya because of injuries.
Looking towards the fixture, coach Simeon Masaba said;
“Express have been very stubborn against BUL but since they’re coming to our home ground, we are looking forward to playing good football against them.”
“We have not won any game in the second round and everyone knows that but we are trying very hard to see that we start winning.”
“We are trying to correct the mistakes, we are trying to prepare the strikers to get us the goals and I think we are about to start getting them.”
“I know the fans are not happy but we are equally not happy with the results, so let them come and cheer us, they are part of us and we need them.”
Anthony Mayanja said;
“Everyone is well prepared although we have had difficulties in winning matches recently. But nevertheless, this time we are very ready to encounter Express tomorrow.”
Head to Head
This fixture has provided us with 20 meetings in all competitions, producing eight BUL FC wins, seven Express FC victories and five draws.
Last four meetings
November 9, 2022
Express 1-0 BUL
May 7, 2022
Express 2-1 BUL
October 26, 2021
BUL FC 0-1 Express
September 23, 2021
BUL FC 1-0 Express FC (Uganda Cup)
Match Facts
BUL have won six, drawn three and lost one game from ten home matches, putting on board 21 points with 16 goals scored and five conceded in all.
It is three draws and three losses for the Eastern Giants in their past six league outings, with their last win coming against Maroons in the 5-0 triumph in mid December last year.
The Eastern Giants have not scored in their past four league matches, and they have ended up losing three of them.
It’s also close to four years since BUL last beat Express in a league action – the 1-0 win in August of 2019.
Express’ recent 4-1 victory over Onduparaka at the end of last month is their only win in their previous 12 matches.
But they have won their past four league encounters against BUL.
However in their last five away matches, James Odoch’s men have managed only two draws, losing three though.
Match Coverage
For a better experience and enjoyment, everyone should come to FUFA technical centre in Njeru although the game is going to be live on television.
Our social media channels will as well provide a good account of the action with full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report and match highlights.
Goals from John Rogers Okumu made it a frustrating evening for the Eastern Giants as Onduparaka came out 2-0 winners at the Green Light Stadium in Arua.
It was a better start for BUL in terms of possession but they rarely found away passed Mathias Okello in Onduparaka’s goal on Tuesday.
Ibrahim Mugulusi’s well taken corner was cleared in the early moments of the game before Okello punched out another by Ibrahim Kazindula midway the first half.
The hosts improved marginally going forward and almost took the lead on 19 minutes when Nathan Oloro swung in a cross but Williams Gama was seconds late to connect.
They however did break the deadlock soon through John Rogers Okumu seven minutes to the break.
And despite coach Simeon Masaba calling changes to his side after the break, Onduparaka stretched their lead as Okumu completed his brace on 53 minutes and this proved to be the final stroke despite all the efforts from BUL to overturn the fortunes.
The Eastern Giants have remained third on the table despite the result with 30 points, ten behind leaders SC Villa after 20 matches.
The next outing will be against Express on Saturday at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.
Starting XI:
Tom Ikara(GK), Richard Ayiko, Douglas Muganga (Paul Ssekulima), Walter Ochora, Pascal Ngobi, Ibrahim Kazindula (Emmanuel Kalyowa), Ibrahim Mugulusi (Samuel Ssekamatte 46′), Hillary Onek, Martin Aprem (Anthony Mayanja), Richard Wandyaka, Ibrahim Nsimbe.
Unused substitutes:
Emmanuel Kalyowa (GK), Aggrey Madoi, George Kasonko
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.
BUL FC start list against Gaddafi
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).
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.
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′)
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.
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.
