David GOMBE
The two finalists of the 2023 Masaza Cup final have been identified after the return legs of the Semifinal stage.
Record winners Gomba beat Buddu 1-0 away from home to cruise to the final.
The five time competition winners came into the contest leading 2-1 following their first leg win at Kabulasoke.
In the return leg they needed a Kenneth Kimera sole strike early in the second half to cruise to the final 3-1 on aggregate.
Buddu were targeting their fourth consecutive Masaza Cup final having reached the 2020,2021 and 2022 edition.
Kimera who also features for Uganda Premier league side Wakiso Giants has now scored four goals in the knockout phase.
Meanwhile, Bulemeezi under the stewardship of Ibrahim Kirya needed a 4-2 penalty shootout win to overcome three time winners Mawokota at Kasana playground in Luweero after a goalless stalemate.
With the away goals rule scrapped off, the tie was level despite ending in a 1-1 stalemate in the first round meeting at Buwama playground.
Bulemeezi will now play their fourth Masaza Cup Final and have previously won the prestigious competition in 2012 and 2019.
Gomba are five time winners having won it in 2004, 2009, 2014, 2017 and 2020 and are now chasing their sixth crown.
The final scheduled for 28th October will see Gomba’s Felix Ssekabuza face Kirya with whom they guided Gomba to the 2020 edition defeating Buddu 3-1 in the final. Mawokota and Buddu will battle for a third place playoff.
