Masaka, Uganda. The Airtel Masaza Cup 2025 roared to life under the vibrant, expectant atmosphere of a packed Kitovu Arena as hosts Buddu locked horns with arch-rivals Gomba in the traditional curtain-raiser. While the absence of His Majesty the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, currently in Germany receiving medical attention, cast a subdued note, the passion of Buganda football burned fiercely. Representing the Kingdom, the Katikiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, graced the occasion, witnessed by key partners Centenary Bank and Plascon represented by Benjamin Bicung Plascon Marketing coordinator .Buddu claim a hard-fought 1-0 victory sealed by a dramatic late Chrispus Sseruwuge goal.
Airtel Masaza Cup 2025 branding was prominent, while fan zones activated by Centenary Bank and Plascon added to the festive pre-match buzz. The Katikiro's arrival was met with respectful cheers, a poignant reminder of the Cup's unifying power amidst well-wishes for the Kabaka's recovery, witnessed by the tournament's main sponsor and supporting partners.
Buddu's Starting XI,marshaled by goalkeeper Marvin Ssebirago (33), lined up with a solid back four: Joseph Kayongo (04), Israel Busulwa (03), Godfrey Obama (24), and Sulaiman Mutyaba (02). The midfield engine room featured Latif Lubega (13), eventual hero Chrispus Sserugo (16), and Nicolas Jjonga (19), while the attacking thrust came from Brian Matu Tumusime (14),Steven Yoga (11), and striker Michael Waraga (10).
Facing them, Gomba's Starting XI looked to goalkeeper,Julius Ssenyonga (12), shielded by defenders Isaac Apenyo,Hassan Nsubuga (03), captain Herbert Onen (21), and Medie Mutamba (04). Their midfield comprised Nicolas Kirabira (16), Edrisa Masembe (08), and Michael Abura (06), supporting forwards Joseph Ssewali (14), Calvin Otim (05), and Robert Ssewanyana (09).
The match was a classic Buddu-Gomba affair: fiercely contested, physical, and tactical. Gomba threatened on the counter, their pace testing Busulwa and Obama, while Buddu, roared on by the home crowd, sought control through Lubega and Jjonga. Ssenyonga pulled off a stunning reflex save from Waraga in the first half, while Ssebirago stood firm against Gomba's swift raids led by Ssewanyana and Ssewali.
As the second half wore on, tension mounted under Buddu pressed higher, crosses raining onto Gomba's resolute defence marshalled by Onen and Nsubuga. Gomba, organised and resilient through Kirabira and Masembe, seemed set to earn a point.
In the 81st minute, the eruption came. Buddu , whipped in with all
 Chrispus Sseruwuge powerful short past Ssenyonga into the net. Kitovu Arena exploded awave surged as Sseruwuge was mobbed by ecstatic teammates.
The final minutes saw Gomba throw everything forward, pushing hard. But Buddu's defence, led by the immovable Busulwa and the tireless Mutyaba, held firm. Blocks, clearances, and a crucial late save by Ssebirago preserved the lead. The whistle blew: Buddu 1, Gomba 0.
The Katikiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, joined by representatives of Airtel Uganda represented by Ali Balunywa,Centenary Bank and Plascon, presented the congratulated both teams, commending captains Herbert Onen and Buddu's leader for their spirit. He emphasised the Airtel Masaza Cup's unity and sportsmanship, extending prayers for the Kabaka's swift recovery, and praised the high-quality contest supported by the tournament partners.
For Buddu, this Airtel Masaza Cup 2025 opening victory against historic rivals Gomba, on home soil, is the perfect start. Chrispus Sseruwuge's late short is instant folklore.
