The Nkurunziza Cup’s second iteration was won over the weekend by KCCA FC.
The match was held in honor of the late Pierre Nkurunziza, the former president of Burundi who passed away in 2020.
President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, who was the honorary guest, as well as other dignitaries from all around East Africa, also attended the game.
Ashraf Mugume
After debutant Moses Waiswa’s defense-splitting pass was controlled by Obenchan, the ball sailed wide in the fourth minute as Obenchan faltered under the weight of his cross.
The game’s first offensive promise came six minutes later when Mato set Poloto up. Poloto outran his defender and fired a ferocious effort, but the ball sailed narrowly wide.
Ngabo Mbede of Aigle Noir was then warned for a late challenge on Moses Waiswa of KCCA, who was later forced to quit due to injury.
Rodney Mato
Usama sent a brilliant pass to Poloto in the 16th minute, and Poloto raced past two defenders to score the opening goal for KCCA FC.
When Morley Byekwaso substituted teenager Faisal Wabyoona for Waiswa, he was compelled to make an early move.
The hosts Aigle Noir made three substitutions in the 27th minute to try to inject some new energy into the contest.
The first goal is scored by Julius Poloto.
At the halfway point, Poloto was set up by Innocent Wafula, who cut in from the right flank. Poloto’s first-time shot missed the goal’s outside frame.
Faisal Wabyoona responded swiftly and deftly to stop Aigle Noir’s assault.
Nshimirimana, a host player, came close to scoring for them, but Juma Ibrahim, a youngster, immediately moved in to stop him.
Wabyoona set up Juma in the 38th minute, and Rogers Mato headed Juma’s initial cross toward goal, but Ndizeye Aime of Aigle Noir made the save.
Nshimirimana Darcy was issued a warning for inflicting a foul on KCCA’s Derrick Ochan with five minutes remaining in the first half.
Mugume had the goal at his disposal when Wafula’s well-placed cross was headed over the goal frame three minutes later.
1-0 at halftime.
The advantage belongs to KCCA FC.
After the break, Mato, who had been hauled down in the box, controlled Usama’s through ball. The referee gave KCCA FC a penalty.
In the 52nd minute, Julius Poloto stepped up to slot home from 12 yards, extending KCCA’s lead.
Poloto and Mato were replaced by Lwanga and Majwega after three minutes.
Usama set up Lwanga at the hour mark, and Lwanga controlled the ball before riffling it past Ndizeye Aime of Aigle Noir and into the goal.
In the 65th minute, Brian Majwega received a warning for a foul.
After three minutes, Said Mayanja, a rookie, took Mugume Ashraf’s place.
Innocent Wafula was replaced by Ayella Dominic.
Players from KCCA FC celebrate Poloto’s goal.
Mayanja made an immediate impact as he outran his defender and passed to Lwanga, but Ndizeye stopped his goal-bound attempt with his weaker foot.
Juma Ibrahim, a young player, would later score the third goal with pure class thanks to Dominic Ayella’s assist.
In the 80th minute, Usama Arafat was replaced by goalkeeper Ali Mwirusi after all of KCCA’s substitutes had been used.
In order to prevent Aigle Noir’s Darcy from locating the solace for the hosts, Skipper Revita was called into action.
The youthful players Mayanja, Wabyoona, and Ayella performed admirably in the game’s closing minutes, displaying the KCCA FC style of play.
Juma Ibrahim rejoices after scoring
Final score: 4-0.
The Nkurunziza Cup’s second iteration was won by KCCA FC.
the line
Black Eagle
SC Aigle Noir
Tempo, Nshimirimana, Bizimana, Manirakiza, Ndizeye (GK), Shaka, Mutima, Kanyamunkenge, Sinzinkayo, Mbede, Masudi, and Kanyamunkenge
KCCAFC
KCCAFC
Ochan (GK), Wafula (Ayella), Juma, Obenchan, Magambo, Revita, Mugume (Mayanja), Waiswa (Wabyoona), Mato (Majewga), Usama (Mwirusi), Poloto (Lwanga)
