Nsimbe early strike stuns Lango fans, sends Bukedi to 2019 FUFA Drum final

FUFA Big League’s MYDA Football Club center forward Ibra Nsimbe scored the price-less goal as early as the third minute.

FUFA Drum 2019:

Semi-final 2: Lango 0-1 Bukedi (Scorer: 3’ Ibra Nsimbe)
Semi-final 1: Acholi 1-0 Bugisu (Scorer: 8’ Tito Okello)

It is confirmed Bukedi will face Acholi in the final of the 2019 FUFA Drum final on Tuesday, 10^th December at the new Akii Bua Stadium in Lira.

This followed a 1-0 win in the second semi-final played on Sunday at the aforementioned venue.

FUFA Big League’s MYDA Football Club center forward Ibra Nsimbe scored the price-less goal as early as the third minute.

Nsimbe raced onto a long ball played chipped through by skipper Fredson Gwoto who plays his club football at Jinja based BUL FC, before expertly looping the ball over the Lango goalkeeper Franco Oringa.

Efforts by Lango to neutralize the game all hit a dead end.

Action between Lango and Bukedi in the 2019 FUFA Drum semi-finals at Akii Bua Stadium, Lira

Lango’s jewel, Bronson Nsubuga had a shot tamed by Bukedi goalie Derrick Emukule on six minutes.

Later, the hosts were denied with two off-way shots from Nsubuga and KCCA’s Herbert Achai.

Right back Emmanuel Odur also delivered a long cross from the right that was well handled by Bukedi defence led by the towering Kyetume FC defender Benon Tahomera.

On the hour mark, Lango’s Ivan Okello was cautioned by referee Muzamiru Waiswa.

The best moment for Lango arrived six minutes before the climax of the first half when Emmanuel Obua watched in disbelief as his loop settled onto the cross bar.

Bukedi called for a first half change in the 41^st minute as Aaron Okoth paved way for Isaac Kisujju.

Bukedi players celebrate their lone goal against Lango

Upon restart of the second half, Lango made their first change five minutes into the final stanza.

Moses Aliro was introduced for Achai and moments later, Bukedi rested the goal scorer, Ibra Nsimbe for Cosia Waiswa.

Lango introduced SC Villa striker Fahad Badiro for Obua in the 55^th minute.

Bukedi’s holding midfielder Paul Dumba was cautioned for foul play in the 57^th minute.

WE HAVE BEEN DETERMINED ALL THE WAY. I THANK THE TEAM MANAGERS, PLAYERS AND FANS. WE HAVE ONE MATCH TO PLAY IN THE FINAL AND WE SHALL GIVE 100%
Abbey Bogere Kikomeko, Bukedi Head Coach

With minutes fast trickling down, Bukedi changed strategy to beef up the defence and protect their slim lead.

Mbarara City defender Ronald Otti was introduced for holding midfielder Ibrahim Pengere after 66 minutes.

On the other hand, Lango added numbers upfront introducing gangly forward Petit Wanock for KCCA towering defender Musa Ramathan.

Lango got punished with 13 minutes to play when goalkeeper Oringa handles a back pass from his own player inside the goal area and got cautioned for the foul.

The resultant indirect free-kick was blocked successfully by the defensive wall.

Bukedi goalkeeper Derrick Emukule was named man of the match for the outstanding performance on the evening, earning a plaque and cash (Shs 100,000) handled over by Lira Municipality Member of Parliament Jimmy Akena.

Lira Municipality MP Jimmy Akena hands over the plaque and cash to Bukedi goalkeeper Jimmy Akena

This was the second time that Emukule won the man of the match plaque after guiding Bukedi to a 4-2 win over Buganda in one of the quarter final matches.

Bukedi to play Acholi in the final on Tuesday, 10^th December 2019 at the new Akii Bua Stadium in Lira.

The winner will pocket Shs 32M and the runners up will take home Shs 15M.

Each of the losing semi-finalists will take 5M.

The tournament theme is “Celebrating Our Ancestry”.

Team Line Ups:

Lango XI: Franco Oringa (G.K),Emmanuel Odur, Paul Achire, Musa Ramathan, Ivan Okello, Jasper Okello, Farouq Lamola, Emmanuel Obua, Sam Ssenyonjo, Bronson Nsubuga, Herbert Achai

Subs: Emmanuel Odongo (G.K), Moses Aliro, Emmanuel Okech, Fahad Badiro, Petit Wanock, Emmanuel Okwir

Head coach: Ogwal Engwedo

Bukedi XI: Derrick Emukule (G.K), Joseph Othieno, Yeseri Waibi, Benon Tahomera, Edward Kabona, Ibrahim Pengere, Paul Dumba, David Owori, Ibra Nsimbe, Aaron Okoth, Fredson Gwoto

Subs: Patrick Wafula (G.K), Cosia Waiswa, Isaac Kisujju, Frank Kalanda, Andrew Kiwanuka, Stephen Okello, Iddi Babu

Head Coach: Abbey Bogere Kikomeko