The 2023/24 FUFA Big League season kicked off with a one all draw between Masindi-based Booma FC and Jinja North United FC at Masindi Municipal Stadium on Thursday evening.
In the opening fixture, Dickson Niwagaba gave Booma the lead in the first half of the game but Bronson Nsubuga of Jinja United FC equalised from a spot kick after the break.
The Tukyate Boys made a bright start to the game and took the lead in the new campaign when striker Niwamanya ran past the Jinja North United FC defence to latch onto a through ball and slot it past the goalkeeper.
Jinja North United FC responded immediately and had two good chances to equalise before the break but they could not find the back of the net.
The visitors drew level in the second half when Nsubuga took advantage of a poor clearance from Booma FC goalkeeper, Aslamu Muhindo Mahango, to tap in from close range.
Jinja United FC nearly doubled their lead minutes later but Nsubuga’s well taken shot went inches wide of the goal.
Booma FC had a chance to win the game in the dying minutes but Bernado Kateregga’s shot went over the bar.
Game meaning
It was the third time in a row that the two sides have shared the spoils when in the last season, the first leg ended 1-1 before they played to a 3-3 draw in the return leg.
Booma FC head coach, Mark Twinamatsio, was pleases with the result despite his team’s poor performance in the second half.
“Our endurance was very poor and my players got tired in the early stages of the game yet the opponents entered the camp three months ago and they were really well prepared. We also missed our players who failed to get the licence. I thank the boys for the spirited performance.” He said.
Booma will play Karo Karungi in the away game next week on Sunday, October 1, 2023, in their second fixture at St George’s Arena, Ibanda while Jinja North United FC will host Police FC at Kyabazinga Stadium on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
