Fort Portal County sealed their place in the finals of the MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Cup for the second year running after a tense goalless draw against defending champions Burahya County at St. Mary’s Major Seminary, Kinyamasika, on Sunday.
Having edged Burahya 1-0 in the first leg on August 10th—thanks to an 81st-minute strike from captain Yasin Maliki—Fort Portal carried a slim advantage into the decisive return clash. With that crucial lead, the city side needed only to hold firm, and they did so in front of a fully-packed crowd.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams pressing and creating half chances. Burahya, desperate to overturn the deficit, came out stronger in the second half but squandered several clear opportunities. Fort Portal’s goalkeeper, Bingi Moses, proved the hero of the day, producing a string of brilliant saves that earned him man-of-the-match honours and ensured back-to-back clean sheets across the two legs.
Francis Kyamukama, Fort Portal’s assistant coach, admitted his side had to be pragmatic.
“The team was well prepared because we know Burahya—last year we played them in the final and lost, so we came well prepared for them,” he said.
Head coach Tadeo Tumusiime echoed those sentiments, highlighting the character shown by his players.
“The boys showed great character. Last year’s pain motivated us, and this time we are determined to go all the way,” Tumusiime said.
For Burahya, the result was a bitter pill to swallow, having been eliminated in front of a massive turnout of their supporters. Fan Israel Kabyanga was quick to highlight the significance of the tournament despite the disappointment.
“We appreciate the sponsors MTN Uganda and our kingdom for always organizing such games because they bring us together,” Kabyanga said.
The outcome meant redemption for Fort Portal, who had suffered heartbreak at the same stage last year when Burahya edged them on penalties (4-3) after a 1-1 draw in the 2024 final. This time, discipline and resilience carried them through, with their 1-0 aggregate victory securing a historic second consecutive final appearance.
Fort Portal now await the winner between Mwenge South and Kyaka, who meet in the semi-final return leg on August 31. Kyaka hold a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg played at Humura playground in Kyegegwa District.
The grand finale is set for September 7th at Buhinga Stadium, where Fort Portal will be bidding for redemption and their first-ever Masaza Cup crown.
