Derrick Akampurira
SC Volcanoes secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Booma FC in the first leg of the FUFA Big League promotion playoffs played at Mashaka Playground on Sunday.
Both teams arrived early for the highly anticipated encounter and kickoff was at exactly 3:00 PM.
The first half was characterized by a balanced contest, with SC Volcanoes displaying their usual attacking style and dominance in possession.
However, Booma FC remained disciplined defensively, setting up a strong midfield and backline that denied Volcanoes clear scoring opportunities.
Despite several attacks from the home side, Booma FC successfully neutralized the threats, forcing the first half to end in a goalless draw.
The second half began with increased intensity as both Western Uganda champions SC Volcanoes and Kitara Regional League champions Booma FC searched for a breakthrough.
Booma FC caused problems for the Volcanoes defense through quick attacking movements, while the hosts continued creating chances through players wearing shirts number 12 and 4.
SC Volcanoes striker shirts number 9 and forward shirt number 11 consistently threatened Booma’s defense with dangerous runs, but the visitors remained resilient.
In the 64th minute, Booma FC came close to opening the scoring after creating three consecutive goal-scoring opportunities, but the Volcanoes defense and goalkeeper stood firm to keep the scores level.
Booma FC continued pressing forward, with shirt numbers 7 and 10 leading the attack. However, SC Volcanoes defenders wearing shirts number 5 and 3 produced crucial blocks and interceptions.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 74th minute. A well worked move involving shirt numbers 9 and 11 resulted in Sunny (No.11) finding the back of the net to give SC Volcanoes a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal energized the hosts, who continued attacking despite determined defending from Booma FC’s defenders wearing shirts number 2 and 3.
Booma FC responded strongly in search of an equalizer and created two more shots on target, but SC Volcanoes successfully defended their advantage until the final whistle.
The match ended with SC Volcanoes holding a 1-0 lead ahead of the decisive second leg in Kakumiro District.
Both teams topped their respective regional league tables, making the playoff winner the representative for Western Uganda in the FUFA Big League next season.
Speaking after the match, Booma FC head coach Mr. Odeco expressed confidence ahead of the return leg saying that they have been preparing for these playoffs and are ready to win at home.
He added that, they now understand the opponents’ tactics asserting that, they believe they will not survive in Kakumiro as the Booma fc target is promotion to the FUFA Big League.
SC Volcanoes Club Manager Muhire Martin also remained optimistic about his side’s chances saying that they are prepared for the away match and are focused on earning promotion disclosing that they no longer think about regional football as their main goal is to compete in the FUFA Big League and other top soccer league competitions in Uganda.
He called upon Sc volcanoes supporters to travel with the team to Kakumiro to back and support the team as the second leg is crucial for the team However, SC Volcanoes head coach Patrick Ochan acknowledged that his side did not fully capitalize on the numerous chances created but remained confident ahead of the second leg.
He added that, The match did not go exactly as they expected insisting that they are satisfied with the victory.
He added that Both teams played well, but his side created more chances and deserved the result stating that they are confident that SC Volcanoes will secure promotion to the FUFA Big League as they are ready and preparing in this one week to second leg.
The second and decisive leg will be played in Kakumiro District, where the aggregate winner will earn promotion to the FUFA Big League.
