Uganda Cup: Orit on target as BUL breaks down hard-fighting Garuga Stars

51^st Uganda Cup (Round of 64)

Sunday, 12^th January 2025 Results

• Garuga Stars 0-1 BUL
• Young Simba 0-4 Kitara
• Red Devo 0-1 Express

On paper, the Garuga Stars against BUL fixture in the Round of 64 of the 51^st Stanbic Uganda Cup looked like a done deal for the latter.

But no, the situation at the Cherish playground where the duel was played was very different.

BUL puffed and huffed as they gritted their teeth to eliminate the fourth division club with a 1-0 win, a goal scored 18 minutes to full time.

First-half substitute Ibrahim Orit who had replaced a sickly Martin Aprem scored the all-important goal of the game on the sunny evening played at a relatively small playing ground.

Garuga Stars tested the visitors with left back Ismael Lubega’s early free-kick kissing the crossbar in the 21^st minute.

The home team remained impressive with Juma Rovi Kizito, Ivan Mugisha, skipper Bonny Lutta and the pacy Joseph Enyabu posing all sorts of provocations and questions to the opposition.

Against the run of play, BUL would have taken the lead on three occasions in the opening stanza but goalkeeper Jack Kigozi rose to the moment where it mattered most,

First, Kigozi thwarted Jerome Kirya’s stab inside the goal area before saving a free header from Ibrahim Mugulusi and another by Mustafa Anwari Ntege.

The opening 45 minutes ended goalless as the players left for the mandatory recess and an opportunity to get further tips from their coaches.

BUL returned an energized party and pressed with purpose to seek a breakthrough.

Dickson Matama had an effort kiss the woodwork from close range and Ntege nearly pressured the defenders into error.

The moment of truth for visitors arrived in the 72^nd minute when substitute Isaac Musiima’s defence splitter found Matama who shot at goalie Kigozi.

Kigozi saved the initial shot but the defenders had a 5-second nap before Orit pounced like his Tiger’s instincts for the goal well celebrated.

By this stage, the job had been well done as they defended in numbers to advance to the round of 32.

“We are happy for the progress. We sought an early goal that did not come. We came with a strategy and are happy that we won the game,” Abbey Bogere Kikomeko, BUL head coach remarked after the game.

Garuga Stars’ Anthony Arinaitwe believes BUL will die another day as they failed to convert their chances.

“This is a painful loss but that is the nature of football. We played well but our chances were not converted. Focus returns to our league,” Arinaitwe stated.

BUL joins current Stanbic Uganda Cup holders Kitara, Express, Vipers, NEC and Pakwach Young Stars in the next round.

Kitara eliminated Buganda Regional League side Young Simba 4-0 at the Bombo Military Barracks Stadium.

Midfielder Titus Ssematimba scored a brace with the other goals coming from George Ssenkaaba and winger Living Kabon.

Express secured its place in the Round of 32 with a narrow 1-0 win over Red Devo at the Namasale Technical School Playground.

Vipers eliminated Tepa 2-1, NEC bundled out UCU Mbale and Pakwach Young Stars ejected Kigezi Home Boyz 3-0.

More Round of 64 games will be played on Tuesday, 14^th January 2024.

The winner of the Stanbic Uganda Cup qualifies to represent the country at the CAF Confederation Cup.

Friday, 10^th January 2025 Results:

• Tepa 1-2 Vipers
• UCU Mbale 0-4 NEC
• Pakwach Young Stars 3-0 Kigezi Homeboyz

Team Line Ups:

Garuga Stars XI: Jackson Kigozi (G.K), Edrine Bukenya, Ismael Lubega, Lukman Kalule, David Kakeeto, Bonny Lutta, Ivan Mugisha, Brian Tumusiime, Joseph Enyabu, Gift Tusasire, Rovin Juma Kizito

Subs: Mustafa Mwirusi (G.K), Baron Edwin Sango, Alidi Musangona, Fred Ssekamanya, David Ssekyanzi, Jessy Mukiibi

Head coach: Anthony Arinaitwe

BUL XI: John Okurut (G.K), Alfred Onek, Thomas Ochungo, Bakali Magumba, Fredrick Ngalo, George Kasonko (Captain), Ibrahim Mugulusi, Jerome Kirya, Martin Aprem, Richard Okello, Mustafa Anwari Ntege

Subs: Adrian Isabirye (G.K), Benon Tahomera, Amos Kirya, Pascal Ngobi, Swabura Mpasa, Isaac Wagoina, Isaac Musiime, Ibrahim Orit, Yafeesi Mubiru, Dickson Mataama

Head coach: Abbey Bogere Kikomeko

Center Referee: Solomon Jjumba