Gomba Vs Butambala, Buganda Masaza Cup Quarter Finals 2026, Round One

Gomba vs Butambala — Experience Meets History

The first semi-final between Gomba and Butambala brings together two teams arriving at the last four from very different directions. On one side are five-time record champions Gomba, a side with a long history of success in the Masaza Cup. On the other is Butambala, who have reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history after surviving a dramatic quarter-final against Busujju.

The first leg is set for Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 4:00 PM at Kabulasoke PTC Stadium, before the return leg at Kibibi SS Stadium on 4 October.

Gomba: The weight of history

Gomba enter the semi-final having negotiated one of the tournament's heavyweight quarter-final ties against Buddu. Their first-leg performance at Kabulasoke PTC was decisive, as Gomba produced a 3–0 victory. Buddu responded with a 1–0 win at Kitovu Sports Arena, but Gomba's first-leg advantage proved sufficient as they progressed 3–1 on aggregate.

That result is particularly significant because Kabulasoke PTC is once again the setting for Gomba's opening semi-final encounter. Gomba therefore have an opportunity to establish another advantage on home ground before travelling to Kibibi for the second leg.

The five-time champions are also the only remaining semi-finalists to have previously won the Masaza Cup. Butambala, Kyaggwe and Bugerere are still searching for their first championship.

Butambala: A historic breakthrough

For Butambala, simply reaching this stage represents a landmark moment. Their quarter-final against Busujju was decided by the smallest of margins. Busujju won the first leg 1–0, leaving Butambala needing a response in the return match. They delivered exactly that.

At Kibibi SS Stadium, Kayondo Francis scored the only goal of the match, bringing the aggregate score to 1–1 and forcing the tie into penalties. Butambala then converted four penalties while Busujju converted two, winning the shootout 4–2 and securing their first-ever Masaza Cup semi-final appearance.

It was a progression built on resilience rather than a large aggregate margin. The contrast makes the semi-final particularly intriguing. Gomba's route was defined by an early advantage and controlled progression, while Butambala's was defined by persistence and the ability to survive a difficult knockout tie.