Gomba Lions Advance to Masaza Cup 2026 Final with 3-0 Aggregate Win

Gomba Lions are through to the Masaza Cup 2026 final after a 1-0 win over Butambala in the second leg at Kibibi SS Stadium sealed a 3-0 aggregate semifinal victory on Saturday, October 3.

Hassan Waiswa struck in the 44th minute to silence a home crowd that needed a heavy win to overturn the first-leg deficit. The goal was enough. Referee Samba Hassan oversaw a controlled away performance from the five-time champions, who never looked in danger of surrendering the cushion they had built a week earlier.

That cushion came at Kabulasoke PTC Stadium on September 27, where Meddie Kasule scored both goals in a 2-0 first-leg win. Across the two legs Gomba were the clearer side: organised under coach Felix Ssekabuuza, clinical when it mattered, and already looking past a Butambala team that had reached its first Masaza Cup semifinal only after beating Busujju on penalties in the quarterfinals.

Princess Sarah Katrina Mirembe Ssangalyambogo, guest of honour at Kibibi, addressed the supporters after the final whistle and presented the man-of-the-match award to captain Herbert Onenarachi. The official match citation named the No. 21 for a standout display as the Lions booked their place in the last dance of the season.

Gomba’s route here was already emphatic. In the quarterfinals they beat Buddu 3-0 at Kabulasoke, with Muhammad Kasule, Alfred Ssebunya and Hassan Waiswa on the scoresheet, then lost the return leg 1-0 at Kitovu Sports Arena and still went through 3-1 on aggregate. The semifinal win extends a campaign built on the same pattern: take control at home, then manage the away leg.

Ssekabuuza’s side are chasing a record sixth title. The Lions have lifted the trophy in 2004, 2009, 2014, 2017 and 2020. A win on October 31 would put them alone at the top of the competition’s honours list. The final is at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

They will know their opponent today Sunday. Kyaggwe lead Bugerere 1-0 from the first leg at Bishops SS Mukono, where Ronnie Ziraba scored and Isaac Ssebunya was sent off for the hosts’ opponents. Bugerere host the return at Ssaza Grounds Ntenjeru on October 4 at 4:00 p.m. The winner joins Gomba in the title match; the loser meets Butambala in the classification game, also at Muteesa II Stadium on final day.