Sports 1 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Gomba and Buddu Set for Masaza Cup Quarter-Final Showdown
The Airtel Masaza Cup has reached its quarter-final stage with a highly anticipated clash between record champions Gomba and former winners Buddu, following a dramatic group stage that saw several traditional powerhouses eliminated. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/gomba-back-face-buddu-in-blockbuster-quarter-final-5579218
The 2026 Airtel Masaza Cup group stage has concluded, setting the stage for an exciting quarter-final lineup. A record five-time champion, Gomba Lions, returns to the knockout stages after a two-year absence, preparing to face three-time winners Buddu in what is billed as a blockbuster encounter.
The group stages proved to be a stern test, with only eight out of eighteen participating counties advancing. This round saw the shocking early exits of several strong contenders, including defending champions Buweekula, who failed to defend their title, a feat no team has achieved since the tournament’s inception in 2004. Buweekula were eliminated after finishing fourth in their group, notably losing 3-1 to Busujju.
Other former champions like Ssingo, Bulemeezi, Mawokota, and Busiro also found themselves out of the running. Busujju, despite a final-day victory over Buweekula, narrowly missed qualification for the knockout rounds on goal difference, finishing level on points with Ssese and Bugerere.
The quarter-finals will feature Kyaggwe, who topped their group undefeated at home, alongside Buddu, Gomba, Butambala, Mawogola, Kyaddondo, Bugerere, and Ssese. The first leg of the quarter-finals is scheduled for September 13, 2026, with the return legs taking place a week later.
The Gomba versus Buddu fixture revives one of the Masaza Cup’s most intense modern rivalries. Gomba, who were finalists in 2023 but haven’t won the cup since 2020, will be looking to leverage their championship pedigree against a formidable Buddu side. Their previous encounters, including the 2020 final and a tense 2023 semi-final, highlight the high stakes and passionate support surrounding this fixture. Fans can expect a fiercely contested two-legged tie.