The first leg of the FUFA Drum Quarterfinals commenced on Saturday evening in three different Provinces across the country.
Bukedi hosted Acholi at Palisa Hospital Ground, Bugisu entertianed West Nile at Mbale Municipal Stadium while Busoga were away to Ankole at Kakyeka Stadium, Mbarara.
All round, it was an incredible performance for the six Provinces in action today for the struggle to take commanding steps in the 1st leg of the last 8 encounters.
In Pallisa, hosts Bukedi cracked the only goal of the match, through KCCA FC midfielder Julius Poloto who showed brilliant composition to tuck home a valuable goal in the 26th minute to send home fans into wild celebrations.
The visitors (Acholi) launched numerous attacks in the second half but their efforts were not accurate enough to hit the target.
Goal Scorer Julius Poloto was named Man of the Match and received the accolade and sh.100,000 prize money.
Bukedi will travel with a one goal margin away to Acholi next weekend for the 2nd leg quarterfinal match.
Tulu Muzamiru was the center referee, assisted by Haward Musa Orombi and Atiku Rehman.
At Mbale Municipal Stadium the match never ended but West Nile were in the lead (0-1) against Bugisu. The match produced many eye catching moments and scoring opportunities that went begging.
During the early stages of the game, the tournament’s leading scorer James Alitho at 8 goals was taken to hospital after colliding with West Nile defender.
West Nile Striker Shaban Muhammad had several attempts despite being denied by Bugisu goalkeeper Ismail Watenga.
In the 55th minute Bugisu’s Paul Musamali was shown a red card after his second booking for recklessly fouling West Nile’s Ezira Bida.
Bugisu’s Musa Malunda had an opportunity to put his team forward when his well connected header from the corner kick flew towards the middle of the goal but was cleared off the line.
In the 68th minute West Nile goalkeeper Richard Anyama was injured and gave way to Nisar Kassim who came in to takeover his services.
Towards the end of the match, West Nile’s Fred Amaku scored in the 2nd minute of the added 8 minutes but play was halted as fans stormed the pitch and couldn’t continue.
The FUFA Competitions Disciplinary Panel will pronounce itself on this matter after receiving the Referee’s report from the organisers of the FUFA Drum.
Ronaldie Kirangwa was the referee, assisted by Mulindwa Hakim and Mugerwa Richard. Kasalirwe Razak was the 4th official while Awuye Yusuf was the Match assessor. Hajati Aisha Nalule wa Match Commissioner.
At Kakyeka Stadium Ankole Province and Busoga Province played to a barren draw.
Despite creating several chances in the match, Ankole failed to break the deadlock. Both backlines were alert enough to avoid any mistakes.
Ankole defender Ainemani Junior was chosen Man of the Match and received the prize money together with the accolade.
Both teams will meet again in the 2nd leg this weekend in Jinja.
Referee Kiweewa Emmanuel was in charge of the Match, Mbabaali Samuel and Ssendawula Derick were his assistants.
Action continues on Sunday with Buganda hosting Kampala in Mukono at Bishop SS Grounds.
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