Mawokota Ssaza's Calvin Amayo celebrates a goal against Busiro at Mutesa II Wankulukuku stadium | Credit: John Batanudde
  • 2023 Buganda Masaza Cup (Football)
  • Official opening match: Busiro 1-3 Mawokota

Mawokota Ssaza football team recovered from a goal down to overcome Busiro 3-1 during the official opening match of the 2023 Buganda Masaza Cup at the Mutesa II Wankulukuku Stadium, Kabowa on Saturday, June 24.

Abubaker Mayanja, John Innocent Kisolo and Calvin Peter Emayo found the goals for Mawokota, a side coached by former Uganda Cranes international Richard Malinga.

Akram Muzanyi scored Busiro’s only goal, a penalty but was culprit having missed another.

Akram Muzanyi scores the penalty for Busiro Ssaza’s opening goal

Muzanyi, last season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) gave Busiro the early lead on the quarter hour mark through a well converted penalty.

This goal arrived against the run of play after dominance by Mawokota whose free flowing inter-play wooed many in the stands who included the Kabaka His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

The Kabaka had earlier signed on the official tournament ball before kicked the ball with his left foot to ceremoniously mark the start of this annual tournament.

Kabaka Mutebi II signs on the ball as the minister of sports, leisure and recreation in Buganda Kingdom Owek. Henry Moses Ssekabembe Kiberu looks on
Kabaka Mutebi II kicks off the 2023 Buganda Masaza Cup at Mutesa II Wankulukuku stadium

Mawokota equalized through Abubaker Mayanja’s diving header in the 39th minute off a telling cross by Peter Calvin Emayo.

John Innocent Kisolo fired home past goalkeeper Sulaiman Ssali from long distance to give Mawokota the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Busiro against Mawokota in action

Muzanyi missed the glorious opportunity to equalize the game when he blasted high and over a penalty in the first of the two added minutes to the mandatory break.

At half time, Member of Parliament-cum-musician Hon Hilary Kiyaga performed for the Kabaka much to the applause from the King’s subjects and guests.

Legislator Hon Hilderman Kiyaga performed at half time

In the second half, Mawokota’s Dennis Konde and Ivan Kande missed chances to extend the lead.

Busiro introduced Ibrahim Kasenge and Robert Atuhaire to exert some pressure but the Mawokota backline of Peter Abaliya, captain Joseph Ogwang and goalkeeper Abraham Opio remained water-tight.

Emayo scored the match winner in the 90th minute to seal the game as Mawokota smiled home with the maximum points.

Match day one continues of 1st and 2nd July 2023 with a number of matches.

Mawokota Ssaza fans celebrate their 3-1 victory over Busiro Ssaza in the official opening match of the 2023 Buganda Masaza Cup | Credit: John Batanudde
Some of the fans at Mutesa II Wankulukuku stadium who watched the official opening match between Busiro and Mawokota | Credit: John Batanudde

Team Line Ups:

Busiro Ssaza football team line u

Busiro Ssaza XI: Sulaiman Ssali (G.K), Ibrahim Ssenkusu, Vincent Agaku (captain), Godfrey Alijole, Sulaiman Mutyaba, Ismael Kalyanswa, Daniel Ziraba, Herbert Kibirango, Abdulrazak Ssembusi, Akram Muzanyi, Bruno Mukwaya

Subs: Henry Mwebe (G.K), Musa Huzaifah, Robert Athuhairwe, Ibrahim Kasenge, Andrew Eporu, Peter Kaye, Musa Ssegujja

Head coach: Ibrahim Kirya

Assistant coach 1: Godfrey Wasswa

Assistant coach 2: Michael Kabali

Mawokota Ssaza football team line up

Mawokota Ssaza XI: Abraham Opio (G.K) Joseph Kayongo, Peter Abaliya, John Innocent Kisolo, Brian Zahara, Michael Abura, Akbr Ssentongo, Abubaker Mayanja, Alex Mutebi, Calvin Peter Emayo, Joseph Ogwang (Captain0

Subs: William Odongkara (G.K), Emmanuel Peter Oluga, Dennis Konde, Maduri Ngong

Head coach: Richard Malinga

Assistant coach: Eric Kisuze

The match referees with the team captains prior to kick off
Kabaka Mutebi II with the sponsors’ representatives

David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports where he covers most of the major events.

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