Supporters of Gomba have expressed frustration following a controversial Masaza Cup encounter against Mawokota that ended with head coach Felix Sekabuza and his assistant Lawrence Nduga being shown red cards.
The Group Masengere fixture, played at Buwama Playground in Mawokota, saw the hosts edge Gomba 1-0 to secure their second win of the campaign.
However, the match was overshadowed by controversy after tensions escalated between the two sides, forcing the referee to temporarily halt play in the 80th minute.
The incident began when Gomba’s technical bench protested, alleging that Mawokota had fielded 12 players on the pitch, contrary to the Laws of the Game, which allow only 11 players per team on the field at any given time.
According to Gomba officials, they counted 24 individuals on the pitch, including the referee, instead of the expected 23, and demanded clarification from match officials and Mawokota’s technical team.
The situation escalated when coach Felix Sekabuza reportedly entered the field of play to point out the alleged extra player. This sparked a confrontation involving Mawokota players and stewards, with reports indicating that the Gomba coach was assaulted before a brief scuffle broke out between members of both technical benches.
Play was suspended for about four minutes before order was restored and the match resumed.
Despite appearing visibly distressed and seated on the touchline after the incident, Sekabuza and assistant Lawrence Nduga later confronted the referee over his handling of the situation. The referee responded by issuing straight red cards to both officials.
Mawokota held on to secure a 1-0 victory, much to the delight of their supporters.
The win lifted Mawokota to six points in Group Masengere, while Gomba remained on four points after three matches.
Kyagwe continue to lead the group with nine points, followed by Mawokota on six. Ssese and Gomba are tied on four points, while Bulemeezi and Busiro each have one point.
Attention has now shifted to the allegations that Mawokota fielded a 12th player. Under IFAB Law 3 and Masaza Cup Organising Committee (MCOC) regulations, proven evidence could lead to the match being forfeited, with Gomba awarded a 3-0 victory and three points.
Mawokota could also face disciplinary action, including fines, while individuals involved may receive touchline bans.
Meanwhile, Sekabuza and Nduga will miss Gomba’s next Group Masengere fixture against Bulemeezi due to their red cards. Unless further sanctions are imposed, both will serve a mandatory one-match suspension.
Elsewhere, Mawokota will travel to Busiro, while group leaders Kyagwe visit Ssese in the next round of group fixtures.
