2026 Masaza Cup | Semifinal (First Leg)
- Gomba 2-0 Butambala
- Kyaggwe 1-0 Bugerere
Gomba’s two-goal cushion and Kyaggwe’s slender advantage have put both sides within sight of the 2026 Masaza Cup final with home wins, but neither semifinal tie is decided yet.
Five-time Masaza Cup champions Gomba Lions took a significant step towards a record sixth title after defeating neighbours Butambala Sazza 2-0 in a compelling first-leg semifinal encounter at Kabulasoke PTC Playground on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
The result gives Gomba a valuable two-goal advantage heading into next weekend’s return leg in Butambala, while striker Meddie Kasule emerged as the star of the afternoon after scoring both goals in the first half.
Gomba began the contest with greater purpose, looking sharper and more determined than their visitors despite Butambala’s reputation for dominating possession during this year’s tournament.
The Lions’ early intensity eventually paid off when Alvin Kitiibwa won a penalty, allowing Kasule to put the hosts ahead. Kasule, the tournament’s leading scorer with six goals, stepped up and calmly sent goalkeeper Waibi Edrisa the wrong way to give Gomba the lead.
There was controversy surrounding the penalty decision, with Butambala players furious after referee Julius Kasibante pointed to the spot. The visitors surrounded the referee in protest, but Kasibante stood firm and maintained his decision.
Kasule came close to adding another goal on two occasions, only to see his efforts go wide. He would not be denied for long, however. In the 30th minute, the Gomba striker found the target again, rising to head home from close range and double the Lions’ advantage before the break. His brace gave Gomba a commanding 2–0 lead at halftime.
Gomba’s dominance in the opening period was also built around the work of midfielders Osama Nkuuse and Arnold Sserunjogi, whose ability to intercept Butambala’s attacks repeatedly disrupted the visitors’ rhythm and limited their opportunities. Earlier, Gomba had also created clear opportunities through Alfred Ssebunya, Peter Kyomugendo and Meddie Kasule, but Edrisa Waibi produced outstanding saves to keep Butambala in the tie.
Butambala returned from the break determined to find a way back into the contest and showed greater attacking intent in the second half. Yet Gomba goalkeeper Bashir Ssenyonga stood firm when called upon.
Ssenyonga produced an important save to deny Butambala a goal and later kept out substitute Patrick Ssenkusu’s free kick in the 84th minute. The visitors had their best spell in the final 15 minutes, when Mathias Talemwa and Kelvin Mwere both tested Ssenyonga, but the Gomba goalkeeper responded with important saves to preserve his side’s clean sheet.
Gomba, meanwhile, had opportunities to make the return leg even more difficult for Butambala. Kasule, Kitiibwa and substitute Alfred Ssebunya all missed chances that could have added a third goal.
The 2-0 result nevertheless leaves Butambala facing a steep challenge at home. The hosts must overturn the two-goal deficit in the return leg at Kibibi Playground on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 4 p.m.
A 3-0 victory would send Butambala through, while a 2-0 win would force the tie into a penalty shootout. For Gomba, holding on to their advantage would carry additional historical significance for head coach Felix, who would reach back-to-back Masaza Cup finals for the first time in his coaching career.
Kyaggwe edges Bugerere in Mukono
While Gomba secured the more substantial first-leg advantage, the other semifinal remains finely balanced after Kyaggwe edged Bugerere 1-0 at Bishops SS in Mukono.
Kyaggwe, coached by Richard Ssali, secured victory through a second-half strike from Ronnie Ziraba, giving the ‘Bakunja’ a narrow advantage ahead of the return encounter.
The match took another difficult turn for Bugerere when Isaac Ssebunya was sent off in the second half, leaving the side with 10 men and adding to the challenge they face in the second leg.
Bugerere will host Kyaggwe on Sunday, October 4, knowing that they must overturn the one-goal deficit if they are to reach the final.
Road to Wankulukuku
The two first-leg results have intensified the race for the 2026 Masaza Cup crown. Gomba head into the return leg with a two-goal cushion, while Kyaggwe carry a narrower one-goal advantage. However, neither semifinal has been decided, with both ties set to be settled in the return fixtures.
Attention now turns to next weekend, when Butambala and Bugerere will host the second legs and the two finalists for the 2026 Masaza Cup will be confirmed. The two successful sides will meet in the 2026 Masaza Cup final on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, where the season’s champion will be crowned.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Second Leg (Butambala Vs Gomba): Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 4 PM at Kibibi Playground.
- Second Leg (Bugerere Vs Kyaggwe): Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- Final: Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.