Gomba 0-0 Ssingo (Gomba wins 5-4 on penalties)
Ssingo County will have to wait a little longer for their first Masaza Cup title after losing a consecutive final this time to Gomba in a dramatic shootout.
In an entertaining match played at Mutesa II stadium Wankulukuku watched by among others The Kabaka of Buganda His High Highness Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and the Buganda Premier Charles Peter Mayiga ended goalless in 90 minutes and it was left to penalties to decide who takes the crown home.
In a tense shoot out that kept both sets of fans on tenterhooks, Gomba converted five against Ssingo’s four with both sides taking nine attempts.
Ssingo; coached by Soana FC coach Richard Makumbi missed their first attempt when Nasser Nsubuga’s effort kissed the bar but drew level when Gomba’s Rashid Matovu missed allowing Fred Kyambadde to drew Ssingo level.
The first five attempts from each side yielded only three goals calling for sudden death penalties to take its course.
Gomba skipper Brian Oyuka missed his side’s first to hand advantage to Ssingo but Lawrence Ssonko skied his effort to keep things level.
Brian Wafula converted the seventh attempt for Gomba and goalie Joseph Yiga made no mistake but level matters.
Amazingly, Ssingo again lost an opportunity to win it when Mikdad Ssenyonjo missed after Gomba’s Isaac Okello had also missed.
Gomba converted their ninth attempt to make it five – four and with Ronnie Ssekatawa missing his attempt, referee blew his final whistle to send the travelling Gomba fans into frenzy while most Ssingo fans couldn’t hold but shed tears.
The win was Gomba’s third in history after claiming the title in 2004, 2009 and 2014.
They now tie with 2005, 2007 and 2013 champions Mawokota as the record holders of the championship.
The Kabaka presided over the medal giving ceremony to the winners and also gave both finalists a token of appreciation worth Ugx. 5m.
REACTIONS:
Shafik Bisaso – Gomba
“Glory be to Allah for this win. We started slowly and were lucky to end the first half level but we did improve a lot in the second half. We should have won it the second period but our forwards were lethargic. Luckily, we did so in the shootout. ”
Richard Makumbi – Ssingo
“It’s a sad day for us. We were the better side for most parts of the game but were unlucky in the shootout. The best side are not champions.”