Joseph Dhata’s first-half strike was cancelled out by a late equaliser before the break from Jeromy Kirya as we shared the spoils with BUL FC in a tense StarTimes Uganda Premier League clash at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
We controlled much of the play and created the better chances in the first half, but a costly error allowed the Eastern Giants to snatch a point on the road. Despite the draw, it marks a solid start for new head coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa in his debut on the touchline as glimpses of his blueprint were visible.
First half
We made two changes from the side that claimed our first win of the season, with Kizza Mustafa and Kulanga Emmanuel coming into the starting lineup. Samson Kirya started in goal, protected by a back four of Geriga Atendele at right-back, central defenders Kiyemba and Odongo Gideon, and Mustafa at left-back. Shamiru Kimwero anchored the midfield alongside Kulanga and Allan Mugalu, while Joseph Dhata and Marvin Kavuma flanked striker Hudson Mbalire up front.
BUL FC lined up with Tom Ikara between the sticks, a defence including Onek, Mwere, Ochora, and Barni, midfielders Ngobi, Mugulusi, Kirya, and Sewagudde, plus forwards Aprem and Kitata.
In the very first minute of the game, Geriga Atendele collided with a BUL FC player and needed medical attention from our medical team for more than a minute. Fortunately he could continue for 45 minutes but couldn’t continue for the second half.
It was a cagey opening as both sides probed for early openings. On six minutes, BUL earned a corner which Sibelus Mugulusi took cleverly, but our defence headed clear for a throw-in.
We weathered an early chance for the visitors on nine minutes when Samson Kirya stood tall to deny them. Three minutes later, we created our first opportunity as Hudson pulled the trigger, only for Ikara to make a firm save.
Allan Mugalu then tried his luck on 17 minutes, but his effort drifted wide of the upright. Possession was evenly split around the 18-minute mark, with neither side able to dominate.
The breakthrough came on 27 minutes in a moment of quality. Mustafa’s perfect cross found Kavuma, whose header crashed off the post and Dhata reacted quickest to slot home the rebound giving us the lead.
BUL nearly responded on 30 minutes when Mugulusi rose to meet a free-kick from Barni but sent his header over the bar.
We went close to doubling the lead on 39 minutes when Dhata connected beautifully with another Mustafa cross, but Ikara produced a brilliant double save to keep his side in it.
Mugalu was cautioned on 44 minutes for a foul, and moments later, disaster struck. A costly fumble from Samson Kirya allowed Jeromy Kirya to pounce and equalise from close range off a Barni cross in added time. Two minutes of stoppage were signalled, and we went into the break level at 1-1.
Second half:
Coach KB rang the changes at the interval, introducing Muzamiru Mutyaba for Mugalu, Patrick Bayiga for Atendele, and Paul Mucureezi for Dhata. BUL also substituted, bringing on Reagan Kalyowa for Aprem.
The second half resumed with us looking to regain momentum. On 55 minutes, the score remained tied as both teams traded possession.
We won a free-kick on 59 minutes, but Mustafa’s powerful strike was safely collected by Ikara.
BUL made another change on 60 minutes, with Seiri replacing Kitata. Mugulusi then went close for the visitors on 67 minutes, beating his marker but firing wide.
We responded with a substitution of our own on 69 minutes, Charles Waibi coming on for Hudson Mbalire. A minute later, Samson Kirya produced a stunning punch to deny Kalyowa and keep us level.
The game opened up as the clock ticked down, with the score still 1-1, we made our final change in 84 minutes, Emmanuel Ajo replacing Kavuma.
BUL’s Walter Ochora was booked on 88 minutes for a challenge. Four minutes of added time were announced, but neither side could find a winner despite late pressure.
This extends our unbeaten run against BUL in recent meetings, but we’ll look to bounce back as we visit SC Villa after the international break.
Linqsoft Aluminum Man of the Match.
In the second half, Samson Kiirya produced 3 superb saves to keep a point for us as BUL FC piled pressure.
He was eventually named Man of the Match.