The residents of Masaka and multitudes of travelling fans made it in time and numbers to the Masaka recreational grounds to provide the perfect atmosphere for the final of the oldest football tournament in Uganda.
With both teams playing at this stage for the first time, the choice of a favorite was always going to be a tough one.
Besides playing in the top division last season, Bright Stars had a forgettable season while Proline won the Startimes FUFA big league title as they earned promotion back into the top flight.
The game started on a low as both teams couldn’t check each other’s nets despite efforts and runs from both Nelson Senkatuka and Bright Anukani’s for Bright Stars and Proline respectively.
The latter’s captain Noordin Bunjo could have put them in the lead towards the last 10 minutes of the first stanza but Bright stars’ shot stopper Hamza Muwonge dealt well with his effort to ensure that it stayed even at the interval.
The continuation saw Bright Stars’ skipper Nelson senkatuka put his side in the lead in the 56th minute with a stunning free kick, a lead they protected until the 81st minute when centre referee Ali Sabila found Bright stars defender Aggrey Kirya guilty of a second bookable offense giving him matching orders
From then it was advantage Proline and eventually Bisaso’s side got their chance and took it.
A handball in the forbidden area towards the 90th minute gifted Proline a penalty, defender and top scorer Mustafa Mujuzi stepped up and converted his fourth and perhaps most important goal of the season to send the game into penalties.
Proline FC converted all their penalties through Mujuzi Mustafa, Startimes FUFA bigleague MVP Bright Anukani among others while Shotstopper Matovu Hassan saved Nelson Senkatuka’s to ensure his team was crowned Uganda cup champions.
Proline was winning its first Uganda cup title, and its second of the season having won the Startimes FUFA Big league trophy a week ago.
Their coach Shafic Bisaso credited his season victory to team work and building his team right from the start.
“I think i have had a great season because i have built this team for a while and through team work we have managed to win two trophies, that is the Startimes FUFA bigleague and the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
“Saturday’s Uganda cup was hard earned, coming from a goal down to championship was great and credit goes to the team for the spirited fight, Focus is now on the continent,” said the smiley tactician.
His opposite number Fred Kajoba however had the referee to blame for his loss saying he didn’t award them their deserved penalties.
“My boys played so well but seems the centre referee spoilt the game. He literally gave away the trophy when he refused to give us our two penalties but gave to Proline, I really didn’t understand him but that’s okay, my players did their best,” a disappointed Kajoba said.
