Masaza Cup 2020 (Semi-finals) – Thursday, January 21, 2021:
- Busiro 0 (4) – 0 (5) Gomba
- Bulemeezi 0-1 Buddu
Every moment on earth is saved for its own lane and time of occurrence.
In the true sense of the matter, Gomba Lions goalkeeper Peter “Dhaira” Katongole had a special golden moment reserved for him against Busiro at the 2020 Masaza Cup hosted by Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) at their technical Centre in Njeru, Buikwe District on Thursday, January 21, 2021.
Katongole was introduced in the 91st minute for goalkeeper Francis Anguzu and saved Malida Kuteesa’s weak kick from the penalty kick as the Gomba Lions majestically strolled to their ninth final.
Normal time of the game ended goal-less with a couple of half chances created not converted.
Undisputedly, Gomba is by far the most successful team in the Masaza Cup football competition having made the grade to play in the finals for the 9th time.
In the tense semi-final proper, the Lions roared to the 2020 final after a 5-4 post match penalty victory over an offensive Busiro.
Busiro’s Gerald Ogwet, Arafat Usama, Kuteesa and Julius Magu Kazibwe were kept at bay by the mean Gomba defence.
Gomba kept the provocations especially from left back George Kaddu’s tempting long throw-ins but the tournament top scorer Charles Bbaale, Ali Bayo Arshavin, Jackson Ssemugabi, left winger Colline Seruwu and second half substitute Junior Juma Lutakome were all kept silent.
A few minutes to referee Ali Kaddu’s full time whistle, both sides introduced goalkeepers.
Katongole who is christened Dhaira replaced the towering Anuguzu for Gomba whilst Juma Kirabira came in for Adadi Mutumba.
During the dramatic shoot out, Busiro missed the very first kick as Katongole easily collected Kuteesa’s weak kick.
Gomba scored their first kick through Charles Bbaale. George Kaddu, Hamis Dagada Kafeero, Derrick Mbowa and captain Abdallah Ssentongo found the back of the net.
Busiro’s four goals in the shoot out were scored by skipper Rogers Adriko, Brian Kasule, Gerald Ogwet and Disty Edward Mubiru.
When Ssentongo struck the final kick, there were wild celebrations from the team players and officials.
Gomba had sealed the 9th final appearance as they will take on nemesis Buddu on a date and venue that will be confirmed by the Buganda Kingdom.
Buddu smiled 1-0 over the defending champions Bulemeezi with Titus Ssematimba on target.
The 2020 edition was originally supposed to be held in June, July and August.
The tourney was however delayed because of the Coronavirus pandemic that raged the entire world.
Team Line Ups:
Busiro XI: Adadi Mutumba (G.K), Edward Disty Mubiru, Razak Best Mumbere, Brian Kasule, Robert Ssentongo, Badru Kabanda, Arafat Usama, Rogers Adriko, Gerald Ogwet, Malida Kuteesa, Julius Magu Kazibwe
Subs: Amuza Kalibwami, Ivan Ssemwanga, Juma Kirabira, Anobil Mustapha
Team officials:
- Team manager: Thomas Moore Mujuzi
- Head coach: Ronald Lukungu
- Assistant coach: Bright Tadeo Nyanzi
- Official: Sarah Nanyonjo
Gomba XI: Francis Anguzu (G.K), Fred Gift, George Kaddu, Hamis Kafeero Dagada, Abdallah Ssentongo (Captain), Fred Atuhwera, Isaac Musiima, Colline Seruwu, Charles Bbaale, Jackson Ssemugabi, Bayo Ali Arshavin
Subs: Peter Katongole (G.K), Derrick Mbowa, Junior Juma Lutakome, George Kiryowa, Ashraf Zizinga
Team officials:
- Team manager: Ibrahim Kirya
- Head coach: Felix Kawooya Ssekabuuza
- Assistant coach: Davis Nnono Ssozi
- Official: Mansoor Kabugo
Match officials:
- Referee: Ali Kaddu
- Assistant Referee 1: Mustapha Mafumu
- Assistant Referee 2: Robert Kimbugwe
- 4th Official: Richard Kimbowa
- Assessor: Ali Tomusange
- Match commissioner: Francis Bikeka
Masaza Cup Cast of All Winners:
- 2019 – Bulemeezi
- 2018 – Singo
- 2017 – Gomba
- 2016 – Buddu
- 2015 – Singo
- 2014 – Gomba
- 2013 – Mawokota
- 2012 – Bulemeezi
- 2011 – Buluri
- 2010 – Not Held
- 2009 – Gomba
- 2008 – Kyadondo
- 2007 – Mawokota
- 2006 – Kooki
- 2005 – Mawokota
- 2004 – Gomba