Buganda Masaza Cup side Gomba Lions FC held Uganda Premier League outfit Express FC to a goalless draw in a friendly match played on Sunday at Kabulasoke Core PTC.
The tie was Gomba’s last competitive friendly match ahead of the Masaza Cup final slated for this Saturday at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Albeit both teams shooting blanks in most parts of the game, the showpiece started on a high note with Express goalkeeper Denis Otim spilling a long throw in from George Kaddu but the visitors defended well.
In the 21st minute, Gomba’s Charles Bbaale aimed for the goal from the right flank but his effort was tamed by Express goalkeeper.
With 10 minutes to half time, Express’ Geofrey Wasswa had a chance to drill first blood but he shot his free kick a bit wide.
Early in the second half, Gomba failed to utilize their three successive corner kicks as Express backline bodies defended well.
Both sides made lots of changes in the second half but it remained scoreless.
In their previous friendly with a top tier outfit, Gomba beat SC Villa 1-0 at the same venue. Jackson Ssemugabi scored the only goal of the game in the 7th minute of play after beating Villa’s Keni Saidi on the near post.
Gomba will play Buddu in the forth coming edition of the Masaza Cup. This will be a repeat of the 2016 final of the Masaza Cup tournament.
Gomba are in pursuit for a record fifth Masaza Cup title having triumphed during the 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2017 stagings.
Gomba XI vs Express:
Francis Anguzu (G.K), Hamis Dagada Kafeero, George Kaddu, George Kiryowa (Captain), Fred Gift, Ali Bayo Arshavin, Fred Atuhwera, Isaac Musiima, Junior Juma Lutankome, Jackson Ssemugabi, Charles Bbaale
Subs: Peter Dhaira Katongole (G.K), Abdallah Ssentongo, Derrick Mbowa, Ashraf Zizinga, Collins Sseruwu, Umar Lutalo, Tarvin Kevin Kyeyune
Head coach: Ibrahim Kirya
Assistant coach: Davis Ssali Nnono
Technical director: Felix Kawooya Ssekabuuza
Team manager: Mansoor Kabugo
Express XI vs Gomba:
Denis Otim (G.K), Denis Mubuya, Sadiq Ssekyembe, Robert Bbosa, Cyrus Kibande, Geoffrey Wasswa, John Byamukama, Ivan Mayanja, Mustafa Kiragga, Frank Ssenyondo, Martin Kizza.
Subs: Sadiq Mugenyi, Enock Ssebagala, Desmond Kanene, Joshua Musoke, Shafiq Sebyala, Trevor Bbosa, Arthur Kiggundu
Head coach: Wasswa Bbosa
Assistant coach: James Odoch
