Lango Province inked their name into the chronicles as champions of the fourth edition of the FUFA Drum 2023, despite the absence of three key players from their lineup. They sealed victory over Busoga Province with a score of 2-1 in the finals, a match that many fans had contemplated boycotting due to the absence of numerous supporters, reflecting their frustration over the absence of four players who had been called up to the National team for friendlies.
Numerous fans advocated for rescheduling the final to allow the summoned players to participate, as they had played pivotal roles in Lango Province’s journey throughout the season and were desired in the finals. Additionally, concerns were raised about the stadium’s capacity, deeming it insufficient to accommodate fans from both provinces.
The summoned key players to the National team from Lango Province included Denis Omedi, Moses Aliro, Timothy Awany, and Rodgers Mato. Despite the controversies, the final proceeded as scheduled. The FUFA Drum final unfolded as a challenging encounter at the Eric Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, with Lango Province erupting in jubilation upon the final whistle.
Lango Province surged ahead early in the game, fueling the team’s confidence and determination. Darius Ojok’s header from a cross by Allan Okello in the 8th minute and Emmanuel Obua’s goal in the 32nd minute of the first half extended Lango’s lead. In the second half, Busoga Province endeavored to stage a comeback, managing to score in the 76th minute through Lawrence Tezikya.
The intensified competition added pressure to the game, but the final whistle signaled victory for Lango Province. Coach Mr. Obira Bob and the team celebrated exuberantly, marking their triumph.
Notably, this was not Lango’s first appearance in the FUFA Drum Finals. In 2022, Lango suffered defeat to West Nile Province with a 2-3 aggregate score, adhering to the home and away rule.
ROAD TO THE FINAL:
The fourth edition of the 2023 FUFA Drum tournament introduced a new format, featuring a qualification round preceding the group stages. Eight provinces—Bunyoro, Sebei, Bukedi, Ankole, Rwenzori, Kigezi, Busoga, and Karamoja—competed on a home and away basis to determine the qualifiers for the group stages. Busoga, Kigezi, Bunyoro, and Ankole successfully advanced.
Let’s delve into the journeys of the finalists, Busoga Province and Lango Province:
BUSOGA PROVINCE:
Their journey commenced in the qualification round against Karamoja Province, securing double victories at home and away with scores of 4-1 and 1-3, respectively, advancing 7-2 on aggregate. In the group stages, they progressed from Group C, securing wins against Bugisu and defending champions West Nile Province. They proceeded to the Quarterfinals, defeating Tooro Province and Teso Province in the Semifinal to reach the final.
LANGO PROVINCE:
As finalists of the third edition, Lango began their journey from the group stages, where they emerged as leaders in Group B. They triumphed over Kigezi and Kampala Provinces, securing their spot in the Quarterfinals. After overcoming Acholi Province and West Nile Province in the Quarterfinal and Semifinal, respectively, they advanced to the final showdown with Busoga Province.
FUFA Drum Winners:
2018: Buganda Province
2019: Acholi Province
2020-2021: Hiatus due to the Corona outbreak
2022: West Nile Province
2023: Lango Province
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