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′)
BUL FC will be bidding to book a spot in the quarter finals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup when we visit Onduparaka on Wednesday at the Green Light stadium in Arua.
Former roving full back and ex international – Simeon Masaba is currently in charge of the Eastern Giants on an interim basis, replacing coach Alex Isabirye who was allowed to try his luck at Vipers SC last Saturday when we qualified to this level.
Ibrahim Kazindula in action
There is no getting away from the fact that BUL have endured a wretched start to the second round of the Uganda premier league – not winning any of our three games of the second half of the season but we have flexed our muscles in this competition thus far against all odds.
Hillary Onek ensured the Eastern Giants began the cup defense well when he scored the lone goal at the round of 64 against Sparks SC in Mukono, before we were ordered to play SC Villa twice at the next stage.
In the replay, Ibrahim Nsimbe’s beautiful finish showed the world the force we are as BUL bundled SC Villa in the hand bag again to record another sweeter 1-0 win in the most fashionable way to majestically progress to the round of 16 after the initial victory was annulled by the FUFA Competitions Disciplinary Panel (CDP).
Onduparaka are however at the bottom of the Uganda premier league table and they are at the edge of facing relegation having picked up ten points from their 17 games.
BUL FC players celebrating Ibra Nsimbe’s goal against Villa
But they have been in impressive form in the Cup this season.
They kicked off their cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Packwach Young before picking up a comfortable 2-0 away win over Junior Eagles, with Dominic Abonga and Denis Ojara getting on the score sheet for the Caterpillars in Soroti.
BUL beat Onduparaka 1-0 at FUFA technical centre in the league last year, and this will be fourteenth meeting between the sides in all competitions.
Team News:
Midfielders – George Kasonko and Pascal Ngobi missed the tie against SC Villa and this game has also come too soon for them because of injuries. Meanwhile, Simeon Masaba is left with a big pool of players who are fully fit and committed to deliver when called upon.
Coach’s quotes
“The boys are prepared enough to see that we go through this Stanbic Uganda cup match,” coach Simeon Masaba said.
“It’s a tricky game but we are going to see that we work hard to see that we seal it to the quarter finals.”
“We have to work as a team to motivate players and see that their attitude is good as well because their work rate on the pitch will give us the energy and the win tomorrow.”
Player’s quotes
“We are prepared to win this game,” captain Saidi Keni said.
“Everyone is in the right shape and all the players have been psyched to win tomorrow’s game.”
Midfielder Ibrahim Mugulusi in action.
Head to head
BUL and Onduparaka have met on thirteen occasions in the past. BUL have won six contests, with the Caterpillars winning two and the sides drawing five times.
Match Coverage:
All our social media channels will be very active for everyone to follow as we relay full text coverage during the game, followed by a match report and match highlights.
BUL’s unbeaten run at home in the league has been stopped by URA in a Uganda premier game at FUFA technical center in Njeru.
The Eastern Giants have been nearly invisible – winning eleven games out of fifteen (15) league matches at home before today, with the run stretching back to February 2022 when we lost to Vipers SC at Kyabazinga stadium.
But Ibrahim Dada scored the only goal in the game for the tax collectors as BUL lost on Saturday infront of our own fans to break the record.
Striker Ibrahim Nsimbe sending a life threatening thunderbolt from range
It was arguably a game of two halves and with high intensity which saw the first half ending with the teams going in the break on level terms.
Despite enjoying plenty of possession in the early moments, URA failed to find a way past BUL goalkeeper Saidi Keni.
Their first chance arrived when Derrick Ndahiro appeared to have been tripped by Hillary Onek near the box with the referee awarding them a free kick which Joshua Lubwama managed to float into the area but Alfred Leku was flagged offside before he could pose any threat.
Midway the half, another chance fell to Leku when he beat Douglas Muganga to the ball after a fierce battle on the right side but an extra heavy touch by him was comfortably claimed by Keni before the lanky forward failed to anticipate James Begisa’s low cross moments later.
It took the Eastern Giants until the 18th minute to threaten URA’s goal area as Nafian Alionzi was forced to come off his line to parry away Onek’s cross, while Ibrahim Nsimbe’s yellow card on the stroke of half time was the only other highlight for Isabirye’s side.
BUL however emerged from the break fully charged, dominating proceedings while creating chances but it looked like they had forgotten their scoring boots in the dressing room.
Emmanuel Kalyowa running the show in the midfield as URA’s Saidi Kyeyune looks on in awe
After coach Alex Isabirye called the changes, introducing Emmanuel Kalyowa, Richard Okello, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Innocent Rwothomio and Paul Ssekulima, BUL contained the visitors in their own half for large spells of the second half only that hard luck befell them in the final minutes.
Okello and Kalyowa gave the team rythm while on the front foot as Onek and Obua pulled the strings from the wide areas.
It was not too long until Ibrahim Nsimbe thought he had finally put BUL infront on 51 minutes with a low drive from inside the box off Obua’s delivery but his effort was cancelled for offside.
The striker then hit the side net twice midway the second half while BUL’s penalty claims when the forward was floored inside the area disinterested the referee.
Youthful wing back Hillary Onek takes Saidi Kyeyune on a tour around the turf
Ibrahim Kazindula rattled the bar from range as the Eastern Giants continued to look for a break through which was never to come.
URA meanwhile looked dangerous on the counter with the first warning coming when Keni was forced to spill infront of Saidi Kyeyune but the goalkeeper sprung up swiftly to reclaim the ball from the midfielder’s boots.
The tax collectors eventually bleached BUL’s defense five minutes from time through Ibrahim Dada who scored in an empty net as Keni was beaten following a fast break from Sam Timbe’s men.
This was the first defeat at home for Isabirye’s team in a period of twelve months since February last year.
Focus now turn to the Uganda cup replay with SC Villa the coming weekend at FUFA technical center.
BUL’s starting XI against URA
Starting XI:
Saidi Keni (GK), Douglas Muganga, Walter Ochora, Richard Ayiko, Ibrahim Kazindula, Jerome Kirya, Hillary Onek, Richard Wandyaka, Emmanuel Obua, Ibrahim Nsimbe, Samuel Ssekamatte.
Tom Ikara (GK), Paul Ssekulima, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Emmanuel Kalyowa, Innocent Rwothomio, Richard Okello, Shafik Kwikiriza.
The Eastern Giants host ninth placed URA at FUFA technical center in a Uganda premier league action on Saturday evening.
BUL were denied victory in the reverse fixture when George Ssenkaaba’s last gasp strike for URA cancelled out Jerome Kirya’s first half goal as the sides drew 1-1 at Nakisunga Ssaza grounds in mid-October last year.
Alex Isabirye’s men are however second on the table with 29 points from 16 matches, and they will seek to maintain their nearly faultless run at home when the tax collectors arrive in Njeru.
The two one all draws against KCCA and Blacks Power remain the only dark spots todate in BUL’s awesome showings which have produced six wins in eight home matches this season.
Their encouraging form concedes with the fact that Richard Wandyaka was on target twice against his former side when BUL defeated URA 2-0 at Kyabazinga stadium the previous time the Eastern Giants played host to Sam Timbe’s men almost a year ago.
But the tax collectors have realized a leap in form since the second round started.
Having misfired in seven consecutive matches as the opening half of the season wore on, URA have flexed their muscle to win all their opening two matches of the second round, beating Onduparaka and Express 2-0 and 1-0 respectively.
The results have seen them climb to ninth on the table with 20 points after 16 games.
Team News
The trio of goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa, midfielders – Reagan Kalyowa and Pascal Ngobi missed the trip to UPDF and will continue to sit out this one because of injuries, the coach confirmed.
File photo: Manager Alex Isabirye speaking to the press
BUL were denied a win the last time the teams faced each other by a last minute goal for the tax collectors but Alex Isabirye said this time his men will use the home advantage to deliver the goods.
“It was a one all draw when we played them in the first round and since this time we are at home, we shall try to get the win although we are missing some players.”
“But we have replaced them with other players who can equally do the job.”
“Football is not easy but I see my team improving and getting better every day.”
“All the players know we need the three points and I expect we shall win.”
Midfielder Ibrahim Kazindula said;
“We drew 1-1 with them in the first round at Nakisunga and we are ready for the game tomorrow.”
“We need the maximum points and we expect to win.”
Kazindula is joined by Hillary Onek to celebrate a goal in a recent encounter
Head to Head
This will be the 23rd meeting between the sides in the league since November 2011, with the previous duels ending in three BUL FC wins, 10 URA victories and ten draws
Last four meetings
April 16, 2021
URA FC 3-1 BUL FC
November 20, 2021
URA 2-2 BUL FC
April 04, 2022
BUL FC 2-0 URA FC
October 14, 2022
URA 1-1 BUL FC
Match facts
BUL have won six and drawn twice to pick up 20 points from eight home league matches, the third best home record in the division – only behind KCCA and Vipers.
The fantastic run has stretched our unbeaten home record to 15 league matches, producing eleven wins since early February last year.
The Eastern Giants are also unbeaten in their past three league matches although they have won one game in their last five league outings.
BUL’s three wins off URA arrived with clean sheets, the similar scores of 1-0 in April of 2016 and February 2018, and the 2-0 victory in April 2022.
Of the ten stalemates in this fixture, six were one all draws. two were goalless, while the other two were two all draws.
URA have won only two games, having drawn and lost three matches apiece in eight away matches.
But after not picking a win in their final seven matches of the first round, the tax collectors have returned in the second half of the season with full force, winning two games on the bounce without leaking a goal.
Match Officials
Kavuma Vicent will take charge of the match from the center. Mafumu Mustapha and Zziwa Charles to run the lines as the first and second assistant referees in that order. Outeke Daniel will serve as the fourth official, while Ndawula Muhammed will be the referees assessor.
Match Coverage:
The best way to enjoy every bit of this game is to come to FUFA technical center. Meanwhile you can also follow the action through our social media channels below with full text coverage during the game followed by a match report and highlights.
BUL FC were forced to settle for a point against army side UPDF on Tuesday.
Hillary Onek’s BUL second half goal was not enough to get us all the three points as the hosts hit back through Ezekiel Katende to earn a draw at the Bombo military grounds.
UPDF were playing defensive and compact with Ibrahim Kazindula having our first sighter midway the first half from a free kick which was well delt with by the hosts.
Goal scorer Hillary Onek
Alex Isabirye freshened up his side with two changes at the stroke of halftime, Ivan Wani and Anthony Mayanja were seen as the preferred options to replace Emmanuel Obua and Ibrahim Nsimbe but it was not too long untill the referee sent us for the break.
The second half saw both sides being more aggressive in their attacks but it was BUL who drew the first blood.
Wani’s impact was felt when he picked up his spot to deliver a beautiful cross which Onek converted to open the scorers on 58 minutes.
But we failed to hold onto the advantage, and Katende grabbed the equaliser for UPDF fifteen minutes to the end of the game.
It means we remain second on the table with 29 points after 16 matches.
And that is it all for this month as we shall next be in action on Saturday March 04 against URA at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.
BUL FC starting line up against Updf
Starting XI:
Saidi Keni (GK), Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, Richard Ayiko, Emmanuel Obua(Ivan Wani 41′), Hillary Onek, Ibrahim Kazindula, Richard Wandyaka, Richard Okello (Martin Aprem 82′), Ibrahim Nsimbe (Anthony Mayanja 41′),Samuel Ssekamatte (Innocent Rwothomio 77′)
Tuesday February 21, 2023 Uganda premier league Bombo military grounds Kick off: 4pm
BUL FC hit the road to face UPDF on Tuesday at Bombo military grounds in the Uganda premier league.
The Eastern Giants are looking to put things right away from home where we have picked just two wins.
In seven league trips, the 5-0 win over Blacks Power in October and the 1-0 triumph against Arua Hill in December last year remain the only victories to date for Alex Isabirye’s side on the road.
BUL FC’s Ayiko Richard in action.
But our good home run has seen us count 28 points from eight wins and four draws to sit second on the log.
Contrastingly, the hosts have not been exciting altogether. Eleven (11) points, as a result of their two wins and five draws, is all they can present from fifteen rounds this campaign.
This has left them in 13th place and praying for good fortunes going forward as they are just two points from the danger zone.
Their Uganda cup journey was also thrown to the ruins by Bunyaruguru United after a 2-1 defeat last Thursday in Rubirizi.
BUL however put in a battling display at home to SC Villa in the cup to record a 1-0 win to progress to the round of 16 and will look to build on that against UPDF.
They will also be encouraged by the good recent record at UPDF, with the Eastern Giants unbeaten in their latest four meetings with the army side.
This clash comes at a moment when the competition between the second and fifth is tight, therefore, winning this match is high on the agenda for BUL to remain in firm control of the second place regardless of the results from the battle between Vipers and Wakiso Giants at St. Mary’s stadium and SC Villa and Onduparaka who play a day later.
Alex Isabirye’s men recorded a 3-1 win at FUFA technical center the last time the side met. Two second half quick fire goals from Karim Ndugwa and Richard Wandyaka set us on the move before Frank Kalanda sealed the win late on while Ibrahim Magandazi scored the consolation for them.
Team News
Douglas Muganga will serve his suspension after accumulating yellow cards.
Three players – George Kasonko, Reagan Kalyowa and Pascal Ngobi sustained injuries in our 1-0 win over SC Villa and manager Alex Isabirye confirmed they join goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa in the treatment room.
Isabirye spoke to club media after the last training and said;
“They are third from the bottom of the table, they need the points and I know they are going to put up a very big fight but we are also looking forward to getting those three points.“
“It will not be easy but we are ready for them and I think we shall win.“
Goalkeeper Saidi Keni said;
“As players, we are prepared for the game against UPDF.”
“They are strong team but basing on our performance in the previous games, we are good to go and every player is ready to give 100%.“
Goal keeper Saidi Keni
Head to Head
P11 W6 D1 L4
Eleven matches have been played between these teams, producing six wins for BUL, four for UPDF and one draw since 2015.
Previous four encounters
April 20, 2021
BUL FC 4-3 UPDF FC
December 23, 2021
UPDF FC 1-1 BUL FC
March 01, 2022
BUL 5-1 UPDF FC
October 8, 2023
BUL FC 3-1 UPDF FC
Match Facts
BUL have won only two of their past seven away matches this campaign, scoring nine goals in return and conceding seven with eight points gathered.
But they are unbeaten in their last four meetings with UPDF, winning three and drawing one, with 13 goals scored and only six conceded in the process.
Injured Kasonko George
This fixture has produced a winner in ten of their past eleven (11) meetings, and 36 goals have been scored across those games, with BUL FC having a lion’s share of 22.
UPDF have won three times in five home league games against BUL since 2015.
However, they have won one, drawn four and lost seven in their previous 12 league matches in the current season.
Match Coverage:
Our social media channels will relay minute to minute text commentary for the fans who will not be able to travel to Bombo. A match report and highlights will follow shortly.
BUL reached the round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup with a hard-fought win over SC Villa at FUFA Technical Center.
Ronald Otti’s first half goal proved decisive for the Eastern Giants, with the defender heading past the Jogoos goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige following a corner situation from Ibrahim Mugulusi on a sunny Friday.
BUL FC Players celebrating Otti’s goal
Meanwhile, for SC Villa, they will count themselves unfortunate having hit the wood work on three occasions.
In the early exchanges, the Jogoos pressed forward with Hassan Musana firing a free kick at Saidi Keni after Ibrahim Kazindula clipped Charles Bbaale.
But at a lively FUFA Technical Center, the Eastern Giants went on the front foot through the right side and came close to breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute before SC Villa cleared their lines.
It was not all over however as Alex Isabirye’s side capitalized on the resultant corner to take the well deserved lead in the next minute.
Mugulusi swung in the ball which the visitors failed to deal with, allowing Otti to leap and head BUL ahead to spark wild celebrations in the packed stands.
The Jogoos came close to almost levelling the matters in the 19th minute when a Musana set piece evaded all BUL players but SC Villa chose to hit the post.
Youngster Reagan Kalyowa drawn a crowd of markers near the edge of the box to set up a sprinting Kazindula whose shot sailed slightly over the bar.
Striker Samuel Ssekamatte robbed Gift Fred of the ball to put himself in a one on one situation with the goal keeper but was undone by the difficult angle in which he was.
Barely two minutes later, the youthful Innocent Rwothomio who was making his first senior start, was unlucky not to have scored when he spun to drill in a ball after combining well with Kalyowa but his effort was deflected out as we went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
BUL FC starting line up against Villa
The visitors had some threatening moments towards the end, but Said Keni, defenders Walter Ochora, Otti and Douglas Muganga were often on hand to save the Eastern Giants on more than one occasion.
Rogers Kiwanuka missed a glorious opportunity to score for his side when he was found in the area by Bbaale before the latter had a goal disallowed six minutes from time for offside.
BUL’s Richard Wandyaka also thought he had doubled our lead midway the second half with a simple tap in, only for his strike to be cancelled for offside.
SC Villa hit the bar again in the 88th minute and they looked lively in stoppage time, throwing everything at BUL, but 1-0 is how the game finished, sending BUL through to the round of 16.
BUL are next in action next week in the Uganda premier league, with the Eastern Giants travelling to UPDF FC on Tuesday.
Innocent Rwothomio in action
Starting XI:
Saidi Keni, Walter Ochora, Ronald Otti, Douglas Muganga,Ibrahim Kazindula, Pascal Ngobi, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Hillary Onek, Reagan Kalyowa, Innocent Rwothomio, Samuel Sekamatte.
Substitutes:
Tom Ikara, Emmanuel Obua, Richard Wandyaka, Martin Aprem, George kasonko, Shafiq Kwikiriza, Richard Okello .
