FUFA Drum: Acholi defeat Buganda to claim first leg advantage

The FUFA Drum tournament returned with the quarterfinals as Acholi region came from a goal down to defeat Buganda 2-1 in a match played at Boma grounds in Kitgum.

Two second half quick goals from Norman Ojik and Francis Onekalit were enough to cancel out a Frank Ssebufu first half goal which had put Buganda in the lead.

Acholi dominated the match at a fully packed Boma stadium but they lacked patience in front of goal failing to convert chances they created.

Complacent in the Acholi defence cost them a goal as they were caught on the back foot and Vianney Ssekajugo set up Frank Ssebufu who tapped in from close range to give Buganda a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute of the game.

The crowds kept on pushing the Acholi team with the deserved support and in second half they came back a more changed side pressing high.

Their efforts were later rewarded as they pulled a goal back in the 64th minute through Norman Ojik and with just a minute later, Francis Onekalit added the second to give Acholi a deserved lead in the 65th minute which they held on to claim a 2-1 victory.

Fred Agandu was voted the man of the match for his brilliant and spirited fight as his side Acholi claimed victory to take aslim advantage over Buganda and he had this to say.

“It wasn’t an easy game because we were a goal down after starting poorly but as players we had to lift ourselves and in the second half we knew what we wanted. I thank the fans for their massive support.” Said Agandu.

Agandu walked with 100,000 Uganda shillings cash money and an accolade for being crowned the man of the match courtesy of Nile breweries the official sponsors of the FUFA Drum tournament.

Buganda will host the return leg on a yet to be known date as they vie to defy the odds for a place in the semi-finals.

How both teams lined up

Acholi XI

Derrick Ochan (GK), Dennis Okot, Rodgers Atube, Denis Ojara, Ronald Ogenga, Felix Okot, James Otim, Hudu Mulikyi, Isaac Otto, Fred Agandu, Dickens Kilama

Buganda XI

Hanington Ssebwalunyo, Dickson Kigongo, Dan Birikwalira, Kiyrmba Latif, Aggrey Kirya, Rahmatah Kagimu, Brian Majwega, Frank Ssebufu, Mohammed Ssenoga, Vianney Ssekajugo, Shafik Kagimu