2026 Masaza Cup | Sunday July 12
- Kyadondo 1-0 Buluuli
Teenager Ernest Raphael Masudi produced an outstanding performance as Kyadondo finally registered their first win of the 2026 Plascon-sponsored Buganda Masaza Cup with a 1-0 victory over Buluuli at Santana Ground in Wampeewo.
The Kyadondo SS Matugga student stood above the rest, earning the Man of the Match award after tormenting the Buluuli defence throughout the contest.
Masudi announced himself early in the game with a brilliant run that resulted in a penalty appeal after his feet collided with the Buluuli goalkeeper, but referee Solomon Jjumba waved play on.
The young star continued to dominate proceedings, creating several scoring opportunities while constantly troubling the visitors. His persistence eventually paid off when he was involved in the move that produced the decisive penalty.
Receiving the ball at the edge of the penalty area from Faisal Mumaali, Masuud played it wide to Abaasi Muluya on the left flank. Muluya’s delivery struck the hand of Tony Kalyesubula inside the area, prompting referee Jjumba to finally point to the penalty spot after previously turning down three penalty appeals, two of them involving Masuud.
Mumaali calmly converted the spot kick, and the lone goal proved enough to hand Kyadondo their first victory after four matches.
Kyadondo had opened their campaign with successive draws against defending champions Buwekula and Buddu before suffering defeat to Busujju. The victory over Buluuli now gives them renewed hope in the group.
Despite the defeat, Buluuli had impressive performers in Derrick Rwothomio, Tony Kalyesubula and Frank Nsereko, who came on at the start of the second half.
Nsereko saw one effort blocked by Abdul Razak Mumbeere before creating three scoring opportunities. He also won the battle with Masuud on several occasions, forcing the Kyadondo forward into a booking, although Nsereko himself was later cautioned for a foul on Masuud.
After being named Man of the Match, Masudi said:
“We are grateful to the Creator for enabling us to win this match. I believe we are only going to improve and win more games. I appreciate our fans and ask them to continue cheering us, even when we travel for our next game against Buvuma.”
Kyadondo head coach Bright Nyanzi admitted the victory had lifted pressure off his team.
“The pressure has been high because the Masaza Cup is not a tournament where you can go three games without a win. We have been missing many chances, but with this victory the pressure will cool down.”
Elsewhere in the Bulange Group, Joseph Enyabu’s first-half goal gave Buddu a 1-0 victory over Buvuma at Sports Arena Kitovu, while Buwekula also secured their first win of the campaign with a 1-0 triumph over Busujju.
The victory lifts Kyadondo to five points from five matches. Buddu lead the Bulange Group with 10 points, followed by Busujju on nine, Buvuma on six, Kyadondo on five, Buwekula on four, while Buluuli remain winless at the bottom of the standings.
