We head home with an important away goal after a 1-1 draw with the Eastern Giants, setting the stage for our return leg on May 4th, 2024, at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
Joseph Dhata scored in the 55th minute to level matters with his signature fierce shot, assisted by Cromwel, after Kirya had opened the scoring in the 17th minute to give the hosts the lead.
BUL leads at halftime:
In the early stages of the match, Allan Mugalu received treatment after sustaining an early knock, contributing to a physical start to the game. The home team threatened us early on, but Benjamin Ochan showcased great game reading and positioning to deny Alex Kitata a scoring opportunity. On the other end, Joseph Dhata’s effort was saved by Ikara, preventing NEC from taking the lead. Moments later, Cromwel unleashed a shot that narrowly missed the target by inches, adding to the tension on the field.
Despite our early efforts, it was BUL who found the back of the net, with Kirya Joromy scoring a goal for the hosts from just meters away from the edge of the box with a beautiful, unexpected shot. As a result of Mugalu’s injury, Ssebaggala was brought on as a replacement.
Overall, the first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams having chances, but only BUL was able to convert, sending the game into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Dhata again!
The Stanbic Uganda Cup top scorer was at it again, scoring once more with his fierce signature shot to level the scores, reminiscent of his first goal of the brace against Busoga United in the League.
With a goal down, the team needed to do better in the second half, fully understanding the importance of finding an equalizer heading into the return leg at home. Consequently, the team returned with renewed determination.
Right from the start of the second half, the team showed their determination. Kimwero combined well with Thembo to shield the defense while contributing to forward play where Ssebaggala was also actively run the business. Meanwhile, the central pairing of Kiyemba and Kelvin effectively dealt with any long balls played towards the backline, with Ochan standing tall been the sticks.
In their push forward, Cromwel ran onto an aerial ball, setting it into Dhata’s path. Dhata skilfully controlled the ball before sending a shot past Ikara to level the scores.
This goal elevated Dhata to the leading scorer with 5 goals in the Stanbic Uganda Cup and increased his overall tally to 11 goals this season, making him a reliable scorer for the diehards this season.
There was a triple substitution made towards the end of the game, with Kavuma, Kayanja, and Ssesaazi coming on for Okocha, Dhata, and Kimwero, respectively. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the pace for the upcoming encounter.
What next:
We are set to host the Eastern Giants on Saturday, May 4th, at the MTN Omondi Stadium for the return leg of the semi-final to determine who will head to the finals. A barren draw or any kind of win for NEC sends us through, while any draw with more than two goals or a win for BUL sends them through to the finals.
Highlights:
https://youtu.be/-VlQx8OFDBg?si=LgkKTtGBvfEPvPWF