Mawokota came from down to defeat reigning champions Busiro in the Masaza Cup 2023 opener played on Saturday at Wankulukuku in front of his Majesty.
Three- time champions Mawokota defeated holders Busiro 1-3 in the 2023 Masaza Cup opening match played at Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku, a game that was graced by his majesty the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi.
Abubaker Mayanja, Innocent Kisoro and Calvin Peter Emayo scored the goals for the sleeping giants that last won the prestigious championship in 2013.
Giants Mawokota a side coached by a former Uganda Cranes player, assisted by Uganda Matyrs Nkozi University Football league winning coach Eric Kisuuze have managed to win three titles, two behind record holders Gomba.
Mawokota only behind Gomba in numbers of titles won, after 10 years have decided to wake up from the slumber to chase their 4th title as coach Malinga stated.
” We know this is a big team in Masaza, that is highly respected so our target is to take it where it belongs, to restore the lost glory, our goal this season is to win the title and playing good football as you have seen. Am very happy we have defeated the defending champions but this gives us what to build on input next game. The best team took the day, we are very organized and I thank the magagement of the team I believe we have all it takes to win this year’s title.” He stated.
Mayanja headed in a well crafted Calvin Emayo cross for an early equaliser just two minutes after Akram Muzanyi had scored the first goal of the 2023 Masaza Cup tournament.
Midfielder Kisoro gave the visitors a much needed lead with a wonder strike from 35 yards to make the score-line 1-2.
Akram Muzanyi who was fouled and scored the resultant penalty kick, missed Busiro’s second penalty at the death of the first half to denie them an equaliser.
Hitman Muzanyi sent Busiro’s penalty kick wide over the bar.
Forward Robert Atuhairwe off the bench also got his opportunity to pull one back for Busiro but failed to find the target.
Mawokota danger man Emayo killed off the game late in the second half to ensure Mawokota take maximum points out of the game.
Masaza tournament organising chairman Hajji Sulaiman Sejjengo, was greatful to the different stake holders for a successful opening ceremony.
” The game has went on so well, and the opening ceremony organization has been so good, we thank the Kabaka for gracing this function, we thank the teams for the good show, we thank the referees, the fans and everyone who has done something for that success. We Have 104 games to be played and we shall have these games played at different counties untill the final that will be played at a neutral stadium. So I urge everyone to go and support your teams.” Sejjengo stated after the game.
Masaza action will resume with next Saturday 1st with three fixtures; Busujju will host Buvuma in Maanyi, Mawogola will welcome Kabula in Sembabule and Gomba will play host to Ssese in Kabulasoke.
The two teams in each group will prevail to the knockout stage and will be joined by the best two third placed teams.
Busiro XI
Ssali Sulaiman, Ibrahim Ssenkusu, Godfrey Alijole, Sulaiman Mutyaba, Ismael Kalyanswa, Kibirango Hebert, Mukwaya Bruno, Akram Muzanyi, Abdul Razak Sembusi
Substitutes
Mwebe Henry, Musa Ssegujja, Robert Atuhairwe, Kasenge Ibrahim, Kaye Peter, Andrew Eporu
Coach
Kirya Ibrahim
Mawokota XI
Opio Abraham, Peter Abalilya, Kayondo Joseph, Ogwang Joseph, John Innocent Kisoro, Kisure, Brian Zahara, Abla Micheal, Mutebi Alex , Calvin Peter Emayo, Joseph Ogwang, Akbr Sentongo, Abubaker Mayanja
Substitutes
Odongokara William, Peter Oluga , Dennis Konde, Maduti Ngong, Agamire Ivan, Emmanuel Peth, Kidega Godfrey.
Coach
Richard Malinga
2023 Masaza Cup Groups
Muganzirwa Group
Gomba
Busiro
Mawokota
Ssese
Mawogola
Kabula
Masengere Group
Buddu
Buwekula
Kyaggwe
Kyadondo
Buluuli
Kooki
Bulange Group
Ssingo
Bulemeezi
Butambala
Buvuma
Bugerere
Busujju
Masaza Cup previous winners:
- 2022- Busiro
- 2021- Buddu
- 2020 – Gomba
- 2019 – Bulemeezi
- 2018 – Singo
- 2017 – Gomba
- 2016 – Buddu
- 2015 – Singo
- 2014 – Gomba
- 2013 – Mawokota
- 2012 – Bulemeezi
- 2011 – Buluri
- 2010 – Not Held
- 2009 – Gomba
- 2008 – Kyadondo
- 2007 – Mawokota
- 2006 – Kooki
- 2005 – Mawokota
- 2004 – Gomba
