Midfielder Francis Balaba saw his dream come true as he proved to be the difference, inspiring Mawokota to a 1-0 victory over his former side Gomba in a Buganda Masaza Cup clash filled with chaos, drama and red cards.
Balaba, a Buddo SS student, scored the decisive goal before later revealing that his Man of the Match performance was something he had already seen in his dreams.
“I am happy to be the Man of the Match. I have always been praying to win this accolade and last time I saw it in my dream,” said Balaba after the match.
The decisive goal arrived in the 74th minute after both sides had wasted several opportunities. Gomba came closest in the opening half through Robert Ssewanyana, while Mawokota struggled to create any clear-cut chances before the break.
After a goalless first half, the second period returned with drama. Gomba goalkeeper poured water near his goal area, but play continued. Earlier, Eddy Bulwanyi had turned on his electrifying display but failed to convert the chances that came his way.
The breakthrough finally arrived when second-half substitute Marvin Tumukunde created the advantage. Balaba delivered a low cross that eventually found the back of the net after Mawokota defender Peter Kyomuhendo turned the ball into his own goal.
Gomba pushed hard for an equaliser, but Moses Abiti headed over from Sam Lukoye’s cross before Lukoye himself squandered further opportunities.
The game, however, took a dramatic turn inside the final five minutes. A drunken male fan noticed that Mawokota had 12 players on the pitch. Gomba assistant coach Davis Nono Ssozi then pulled Tumukunde off the field, prompting protests from the Gomba technical bench.
Once everyone realised Mawokota had an extra player, chaos erupted. Members of the Gomba technical area confronted fourth official Steven Galabuzi, while others attacked Tumukunde. Stewards intervened but were also assaulted, with Gomba head coach Felix Ssekabuuza joining the confrontation.
Young defender Dickson Barasa managed to restrain some of his teammates from retaliating as security restored order and play briefly resumed. However, the fighting flared up again moments later.
Referee Alex Wasswa responded by sending off Gomba head coach Felix Ssekabuuza and second assistant coach Lawrence Nduga. On the Mawokota bench, coach Moses Kirunda was also shown a red card in place of technical director Henry Katende, who had been involved in the altercation.
Despite the tension, Mawokota held on for a narrow victory over Buganda Masaza Cup record champions Gomba at Buwama Ssaza Ground in Mpigi. It was Mawokota’s second successive win after defeating Bulemeezi last weekend.
Elsewhere in the Masengere Group, Kyaggwe defeated Bulemeezi 2-1 at Mukono Bishops, with Ronnie Ziraba and Emmanuel Shikanga scoring the goals. On Saturday, Ssese comfortably beat Busiro 3-0 at Lutoboka.
In the Bulange Group, defending champions Buwekula suffered another 1-0 defeat, this time at home to Buddu in Mubende, with Ronald Obed scoring the winner. Buvuma continued their impressive home form by defeating Buluuli, while Busujju maintained their perfect start with a 1-0 victory over Kyadondo at Kakindu.
In the Muganzirwaza Group, Butambala edged Ssingo 1-0 at Kibibi SS, Bugerere defeated Kabula at Bakijulula, while Mawogola beat Kooki 1-0 at Mawogola Ssaza Ground.
After Matchday Three, Kyaggwe lead the Masengere Group with maximum points. Busujju also top the Bulange Group with a perfect record, while Butambala lead the Muganzirwaza Group on seven points, ahead of Bugerere, Mawogola and Ssingo.
