The race for the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup quarter-finals is beginning to tighten with no county able to afford a slow start to the second round. After an opening phase that left several groups finely balanced, the counties return to action this week with only four matches standing between them and the knockout stage, where eight teams will advance.
The opening round, which ended on September 10, produced 18 matches across 14 venues, with 23 goals scored and 34 yellow cards shown but no red cards.
Tournament Organising Committee chairman Isa Magoola confirmed the second-round programme during a meeting with county chairpersons and CEOs at the Kyabazinga Headquarters in Bugembe on Friday.
Magoola praised the teams for their discipline and urged them to maintain the same standards while using the competition to promote its campaign against teenage pregnancies.
‘I want to congratulate all of the teams for being disciplined, and I want to encourage you all to continue working towards and spreading the news about ending teenage pregnancies, as it is our theme,’ he said.
Match proper
Butembe will open the second round against Kigulu at Kakindu Stadium on Wednesday, while Buzaaya host Luuka at Nawanyago Primary School on Thursday.
The tournament is being played under the theme ‘Abasaadha n’empaango’ (Men are the pillars in ending teenage pregnancies).
In the Bukowe Group, Budiope lead on five points, with Bugabula and Bunha tied on four while Bukono have two. Bugweri have created some breathing room in the Nendha Group, leading on seven points. Bukooli Namayingo are second on five, followed by Bukooli Bugiri on three and Busiki on one.
The Kagulu Group is the most congested, with all four counties tied on two points and separated only by goal difference. Luuka currently lead, followed by Buzaaya and Bulamogi. In Mawembe, Butembe sit top on four points, with Kigulu on two and Bunhole-Bunanhumba on one.
The top two counties in each group will qualify for the quarter-finals, which will be played over two legs, home and away, for the first time in the competition’s history.
Saturday
Bugweri vs. Busiki – Busesa
Budiope vs. Bukono – Baligeya Memorial
Sunday
Bukooli Bugiri vs. Bukooli Namayingo – Bukooli College
Bugabula vs. Buna – Kamuli
Butembe vs. Kigulu – Kakindu
Buzaya vs. Luuka – Nawanyago P/S