Defending champions Buddu have been eliminated from the Masaza Cup, failing to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in 12 years. Their campaign came to an abrupt end with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ssese at Lutoboka Ssaza Ground.
The crucial goal was scored in the 90th minute by Alaphat Muyanja, securing a historic win for Ssese. The victory improves Ssese‘s odds of advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2021, which would be a significant milestone for the islanders.
Quarterfinalists and Group Standings
The win for Ssese means they join Buluuli and Busujju in the Masaza Cup quarterfinals, as all three teams are now tied on 15 points. This point total is beyond Buddu’s reach, even with one game left to play.
Following a fourth consecutive home win, Ssese is now locked in a fierce battle for the top spot of the Bulange group.
They are competing with Buluuli and Busujju, though Buluuli holds the advantage with a superior goal difference of +5 and two games still to play against Busiro and Gomba. Busujju remains in second place, while Ssese sits in third, having played an extra game.
Buddu now has 9 points from nine matches. Even if they win their final game against Busujju, they can only reach a maximum of 12 points, which is not enough to qualify.
Bulange Group Standings
| # | Team | GP | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Buluuli | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 15 |
| 2. | Busujju | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 5 | +1 | 15 |
| 3. | Ssese | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 15 |
| 4. | Gomba | 9 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 9 |
| 5. | Buddu | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 8 | -3 | 9 |
| 6. | Busiro | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | -3 | 8 |
Elsewhere today, in Muganzirwazza group, Kabula defeated Butambala 1-0 courtesy of a first half goal from Ronald Tulyamusima.
The result confirmed elimination for Butambala who remain bottom of the group with 5 points while Kabula remain in 4th position but close the gap on 3rd placed Kkooki.
