David GOMBE
Saturday, 28th March FUFA Drum Results
Busoga 1-1 Acholi (Acholi progress to the semifinals 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw on aggregate
West Nile 0-1 Bunyoro (Bunyoro prevail 1-0 on aggregate)
Acholi progressed to the semifinals of the FUFA Drum after eliminating Busoga in the second leg of their quarterfinal on Saturday at Saza Ground.
The two sides had shared spoils in a 2-2 aggregate score after two legs and the winner was to be determined on penalties.
In the return fixture hosted by Busoga, Emmanuel Ojok had given Acholi the lead before the hosts levelled matters from the spot in the final minute of the contest with Isaac Wagoina finding the back of the net.
Replays showed that it was a wrong decision for the referee to award Busoga a penalty. The referee thought that Acholi defender had handled the ball inside the box but the ball initially hit the chest.
Justice prevailed in the shootout with Acholi goalkeeper Brady Jean Wokorach saving two Busoga penalties as his side secured a slot in the last four 3-1 on penalties.
Meanwhile, Bunyoro stunned 2023 competition winners West Nile at Greenlight Stadium in the other game on Saturday. Kabon Living scored the all important goal for Bunyoro who reached the semifinals 1-0 on aggregate.
Reigning champions Lango will on Sunday host Teso as they are bidding to become the first team to retain the title.
Inaugural winners Buganda will travel to Tooro for the return leg of their quarterfinal in the other fixture on Sunday.
The province based annual tournament, themed on celebrating the nation’s ancestry, has so far attracted a number of sponsors like Rock Boom, MTN and Nile Special who were lured by the big fan numbers that grace the matches.
Past winners
2018: Buganda
2019: Acholi
2023: West Nile
2024: Lango