MASAZA CUP 2026: KYAGGWE LEAD THE CHARGE AS QUARTER FINAL LINE UP IS SET
The group stage of the 2026 Airtel Masaza Cup has produced its eight quarter finalists after weeks of intense competition across the three groups.
With 18 counties battling for the coveted title, the group phase delivered surprises, strong performances and late qualification drama before the knockout stage finally took shape.
KYAGGWE SET THE PACE
Kyaggwe emerged as one of the standout sides of the group stage, becoming the first team to secure a place in the quarter finals.
The 2024 finalists were dominant throughout the campaign and eventually finished top of the Masengere Group.
Their qualification was confirmed after a 1-1 draw with five time champions Gomba, taking Kyaggwe to 20 points with one game still to play.
James Matege was on target for Kyaggwe in the draw, cancelling out Meddie Kasule’s penalty for Gomba.
Kyaggwe’s strong campaign has revived hopes of finally lifting the Masaza Cup after coming agonisingly close in previous editions.
GOMBA KEEP SIXTH TITLE DREAM ALIVE
Five time champions Gomba also secured their place in the knockout stage.
The Lions have been one of the tournament’s major talking points, not only because of their performances but also because they are pursuing a record sixth Masaza Cup title.
Gomba’s campaign has been driven by their “Mission Sixth Trophy” ambition, with the team looking to reclaim the crown they last won in 2020.
BUDDU IMPRESS IN BULANGE
Buddu were among the early pace setters in the Bulange Group and demonstrated why they remain one of the favourites to win the championship.
However, they suffered a setback when Kyaddondo defeated them 1-0, handing Buddu their first defeat of the campaign and giving Kyaddondo a major boost in the qualification race.
BUTAMBALA AND BUGERERE ADVANCE
Butambala and Bugerere were the leading sides in the Muganzirwazza Group.
Butambala topped the group, while Bugerere also secured their place in the last eight after a consistent group stage campaign.
Mawogola and Kooki pushed hard for qualification, making the Muganzirwazza Group one of the most competitive pools in the tournament.
BUSUJJU AND KYADDONDO JOIN THE ELITE EIGHT
Busujju also progressed from the Bulange Group, while Kyaddondo secured their quarter final ticket after an impressive late push.
Kyaddondo’s 1-0 victory over Buddu was particularly significant, not only because it ended the Buddu’s unbeaten run but also because it strengthened their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
MAWOGOLA COMPLETE THE QUARTER FINAL LINE UP
Mawogola completed the eight team line up after a late surge in the Masengere Group.
Their qualification was particularly impressive given the pressure they faced during the closing stages of the group phase.
The side produced one of the biggest results of the final rounds when they defeated Butambala to keep their quarter final dream alive.
THE BIGGEST ABSENTEES
Several teams that started the competition with high expectations failed to make it to the knockout stage.
Among them were defending champions’ rivals Buweekula, as well as Busiro, Bulemeezi, Buvuma, Ssingo, Kooki and Kabula.
The failure of some of these traditional Masaza Cup sides underlines just how competitive the 2026 edition has been.
THE QUARTER FINAL STAGE
The group stage has now cleared the way for the decisive knockout phase, where the remaining eight counties will battle over two legs for places in the semi finals.
The quarter finalists fixtures look interesting.
- Kyaggwe vs Mawogola
- Buddu vs Gomba
- Butambala vs Busujju
- Bugerere vs Kyadondo
The quarter finals now promise another chapter of intense county rivalry, with every team dreaming of reaching the final and ultimately succeeding Buweekula as Masaza Cup champions.
With the group stage now behind them and their next oppinents revealed, the real business of winning the 2026 Masaza Cup begins.