Derrick Akampurira
Western Region League leaders SC Volcanoes (Mutolere SC) dropped their first points in their FUFA Western regional league after a dominant 15 match winning streak following a dramatic 1-1 derby encounter against Gorilla Highlands Sports Club at Mashaka Playground in Kisoro District, a match pulled thousands of fans.
Both teams arrived at the venue as early as 3 PM ahead of the scheduled 4 PM kickoff. However, the match started late at 4:25 PM after referees reportedly arrived behind schedule.
From kickoff, SC Volcanoes showed strong solidarity with their supporters who had turned up in large numbers for the much anticipated derby clash.
The opening minutes were balanced as both sides cautiously controlled possession and tried to keep the ball safe. Gorilla Highlands SC registered the first real attempt after earning a free kick, but the shot from their shirt number 12 was off target ,SC Volcanoes responded with dangerous attacking movements orchestrated by Muheirwe Devis (7) and defender Ikooza Derrick (6), who connected well with striker Lukyamuzi Julius (9), but the move was ruled out for a marginal offside.
Volcanoes continued pressing with composed passing from midfielder Magende (22), who fed skillful winger Ndahura (8). The youngster dribbled into Gorilla Highlands SC penalty territory, but solid defending from Prince (12) and Michael (4) denied him from proceeding further.
In the 30th minute, Gorilla Highlands’ Sembuya (8), alongside Kawenja, won possession inside Volcanoes’ area and launched a dangerous attack, but defender Tumusime Henry stood firm to stop the threatening movement. Both teams remained disciplined defensively, forcing the first half to end goalless.
After the break, SC Volcanoes returned with attacking intent, searching aggressively for the opener through Lukyamuzi Julius, but Gorilla Highlands defenders repeatedly repelled their attempts.
In the 62nd minute, Volcanoes made tactical substitutions with captain Mandela Alex (12) and Muheirwe Devis (7) making way for Sunny (11) and Shaban (14).
The substitutions injected fresh energy into the Volcanoes attack. Ndahura (8), Fiat (4), Shaban (14), and Sunny (11) combined well in several attacking sequences, but Gorilla Highlands remained compacted and organized at the back.
In the 70th minute, Lukyamuzi Julius nearly broke the deadlock after beating the last defender, but Gorilla Highlands’ goalkeeper produced a crucially stunning save by punching the ball away.
SC Volcanoes finally found the breakthrough in the 89th minute when defender Ikooza Derrick delivered a long pass to Shaban, who crossed into the box for Lukyamuzi Julius who broke the deadlock with first goal giving Sc Volcanoes a 1-0 lead.
Despite conceding late, Gorilla Highlands refused to surrender. Deep into stoppage time at 90+4 minutes, Maniraguha Junior stunned the home crowd with a dramatic equalizer to force the derby into a 1-1 draw.
In the first round meeting at the same venue, SC Volcanoes had thrashed Gorilla Highlands 6-0. However, the second derby leg proved far more competitive.
The draw keeps SC Volcanoes at the top of the Western Region League table with 46 points and a goal difference of 39, while Gorilla Highlands Sports Club remain sixth with 15 points and a goal difference of minus 6 .
Speaking after the match, Gorilla Highlands head coach Mukiibi Sulaiman admitted his side has struggled throughout the season but promised supporters improved performances next season.
He added that the derby result reflected the intensity and experience expected from a home rivalry.
Meanwhile, SC Volcanoes assistant coach Serumanga Gavi Brian expressed disappointment with the result, saying the team had targeted all three points. He noted that injuries and illness affecting key players including Alijuuna (5) and Babuji among others weakened the team defensively.
Serumanga also described the derby as a difficult encounter.
He assured fans that the team remains focused ahead of their remaining fixtures against Kihiihi Young Boys and away to Rwenshama FC, as well as the upcoming playoffs for qualification to the FUFA Big League.
The handover of the crowned western region league trophy was rescheduled at the Sc volcanoes last home match against Kihihi young boys scheduled on 24th may 2026 at Mashaka playgrounds in kisoro district.
