Kitara Region’s Giants, Bugoigo Leopards FC, Knocked Out of Stanbic Uganda Cup
Bul FC will now await the draw to determine their next opponent in the round of 16.
Jinja: Bul Football Club staged a remarkable comeback against Buliisa district-based Bugoigo Leopards to secure a spot in the Stanbic Uganda Cup round of 16 at the Gaddafi Arena in Jinja on Tuesday.
Karim Ndugwa and Vian Sekajjugo sealed the victory for Bul FC with goals in the 76th and 80th minutes, extending their lead after Magumba’s equalizer in the 69th minute.
Bugoigo Leopards had taken an early lead just four minutes into the game with a superb strike from Oscar Fred. However, the 2022 Cup winners, Bul FC, responded emphatically in the second half, scoring three goals in quick succession through Magumba, Ndugwa, and Sekajjugo to turn the game on its head.
The defeat ended the Leopards’ impressive winning streak in the Kitara Region and dashed their hopes of securing the Uganda Cup trophy this season.
The Albert Group title contenders, who currently trail second-placed regional rivals Bweyale United by just two points in the Kitara Region’s third division league, are now preparing to kick off their return-leg fixtures.
Established in 1990, Yowasi Amedi’s side has consistently competed in the preliminary and knockout stages of the Uganda Cup. Despite never winning the trophy, they have remained a dominant force in the Albert Group. However, their qualification to the top division appears to be hindered by limited financial resources, making it difficult to sustain top-tier football, despite their passionate fanbase that commands influence across the oil-rich region.
Fred Oscar gave Bugoigo Leopards the perfect start with a stunning right-footed curler into the bottom corner, capitalizing on a clean and precise pass from Kiiza Alfred. This goal marked the fastest Uganda Cup goal a third-division team has ever scored against a top-league side in recent times.
Goalkeeper Robert Oyirwoth put on an outstanding performance, making a series of fine saves to deny efforts from Ibrahim Orit and Karim Ndugwa as Bul FC desperately sought an equalizer before halftime. However, the resilient Leopards held firm until the break.
In the second half, Abbey Kikomeko’s side leveled matters with a perfectly executed header from a corner kick—one that the Leopards and their fans vehemently protested, believing it should have been a goal kick instead.
Karim Ndugwa then held his nerve to give Bul FC the lead with just 15 minutes remaining, capitalizing on a release from Benon Tahomera. Tahomera had been under relentless pressure from Bugoigo Leopards’ forward, Ivan Adubango, in the first half.
Vian Sekajjugo put the contest beyond reach five minutes later with a stunning strike, taking a touch before looping the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box a goal that felt like slicing through butter with a hot knife.
Bul FC will now await the draw to determine their next opponent in the round of 16 as they continue their pursuit of a domestic double, a feat fondly referred to by Ugandan football fanatics as “Salongo.”
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