Masaza Cup: Busiro Starts Title Defense With A Devastating Loss

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in Ugandan Football June 26, 2023

The defending champions of the Masaza Cup sponsored by Airtel, Busiro have suffered a setback in their title defense campaign. They lost 3-1 to three-time winners Mawokota in their opening game on Saturday.

This defeat birthed questions about the ability of the defending champions to retain the title. This has been coupled with the fact that no team has ever managed to defend the prestigious football competition since 2004.

In March, the team celebrated their first-ever Masaza Cup victory after defeating Buddu 2-1. However, exactly 112 days later, Busiro left the Muteesa II Wankulukuku Stadium with a terrible loss.

Busiro started with the lead during the well-attended opening game of this year’s tournament. Last year’s MVP, Akram Muzanyi scored the only goal for the side.

However, the new-look squad and the departure of their winning coach Simon Peter Mugerwa to Buddu made it a challenge to face a rejuvenated Mawokota side. Mawokota replied to the goal by displaying their resilience on the pitch.

An equalizer came from Abubaker Mayanja in the 39th minute with a diving header from Peter Calvin Emayo’s cross. Just before halftime, John Innocent Kisoro furthered Mawokota’s lead to 2-1 with a wonderful strike from range.

In the added time of the first half, Busiro had an opportunity to level matters after being awarded a penalty. However, they failed to level it when Muzanyi fired the ball over the crossbar.

When the second half started, Mawokota further exerted pressure on the defending champions, missing two opportunities to extend the lead. But in the 90th minute, Peter Calvin Emayo found the back of the net securing a 3-1 victory for Mawokota.

Richard Malinga, the head coach of Mawokota expressed his gratitude for the team’s effort.

“I am extremely satisfied with the team’s performance and how they executed our game plan. This win sets a strong foundation for our campaign in the Masaza Cup. We will continue to build on this momentum in the upcoming matches,” Malinga said.

Busiro’s coach Ibrahim Kirya accepted that his team has some gaps that need to be addressed immediately.

“We are aware of the gaps in our gameplay that led to today’s loss. It is important for us to acknowledge these areas of improvement. We will analyze our performance and work diligently to address them in upcoming matches. We will strive to bounce back stronger and reclaim our winning form,” Kirya said.

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