Black Stars 1-1 Buwambo: Playoff Tie Goes To the Wire

Lutaaya and Ongurucho Goals Leave Black Stars-Buwambo Tie Even After First Leg

An entertaining 1-1 draw was the outcome as Black Stars FC hosted Buwambo United in the first leg of the FUFA Regional League Promotional Playoffs at Wankulukuku. Both Kampala Region League champions Black Stars and Buganda Region League winners Buwambo showed quality, but neither could gain the upper hand with promotion to the FUFA Big League on the line.

Black Stars set the tempo early and got their reward through Benon Lutaaya. The Kampala Region League top scorer showed his class with a sharp turn and low finish at the near post to beat Kevin Ssenabulya. The hosts pressed for a second and came close in the 41st minute when Ssekyanzi’s effort beat the goalkeeper but went wide.

Red Hot – Benon Lutaaya

Buwambo grew into the game and leveled through a quick transition. Abubakali Kalungi drove at the Black Stars defense before laying the ball back for Innocent Ongurucho, who finished clinically from just at the edge of the penalty area. The away goal gives Buwambo a foothold, though they were second best for large periods and had to defend deep.

Coach Abdul Ssekajja will feel Black Stars should have done more to win at home, while Coach Patrick Kimuli will take confidence from the result and the chance to decide the tie in front of his fans next Saturday.

Ongurucho celebrating after scoring an equalizer for Buwambo United Football Club- Photo courtesy

With 90 minutes still to play, the aggregate winner will earn promotion to the FUFA Big League. Expect Black Stars to rely on Lutaaya’s firepower, while Buwambo must tighten up and be more clinical if they are to complete the job at home.