SC Volcanoes seen their spectacular 15-match profitable streak come to an end after being held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by Gorilla Highlands Sports activities actions Membership in a heated FUFA Western Regional League derby at Mashaka Playground in Kisoro District.
The extraordinarily anticipated encounter attracted a whole lot of soccer followers, with every teams arriving on the venue sooner than 3:00 PM ahead of the scheduled kickoff. Nonetheless, the match started 25 minutes late after match officers reportedly arrived delayed.
The opening exchanges had been balanced as both facet maintained disciplined defensive buildings whereas cautiously establishing possession. Gorilla Highlands created the first notable different by means of a free kick, nonetheless the trouble didn’t trouble the goalkeeper.
SC Volcanoes step-by-step asserted administration by means of coordinated attacking actions orchestrated by Muheirwe Devis and defender Ikooza Derrick, who combined efficiently with striker Lukyamuzi Julius. One early attacking switch was dominated out for offside as a result of the hosts pushed for an opener.
Midfielder Magende dictated play in the middle of the park, releasing winger Ndahura into dangerous attacking areas, nonetheless Gorilla Highlands defenders Prince and Michael remained composed to deny clear scoring alternate options.
Gorilla Highlands nearly punished the league leaders inside the thirtieth minute when Sembuya and Kawenja combined contained within the penalty house, only for defender Tumusime Henry to make a significant intervention.
No matter a variety of attacking sequences from every teams, the first half ended goalless.
SC Volcanoes returned for the second half with greater attacking depth as Lukyamuzi Julius repeatedly threatened the Gorilla Highlands backline. Throughout the 62nd minute, the hosts launched Sunny and Shaban for captain Mandela Alex and Muheirwe Devis in a tactical adjustment geared towards rising attacking momentum.
The changes revitalized Volcanoes’ forward play, with Ndahura, Fiat, Shaban, and Sunny combining efficiently throughout the closing third. Nonetheless, Gorilla Highlands maintained a compact defensive kind and continued irritating the home side.
Lukyamuzi Julius obtained right here close to breaking the deadlock inside the seventieth minute after beating the ultimate defender, nonetheless Gorilla Highlands’ goalkeeper produced a superb save to take care of the scores diploma.
The breakthrough lastly arrived inside the 89th minute when Ikooza Derrick delivered a protracted cross into assault sooner than Shaban whipped in a cross that was clinically accomplished by Lukyamuzi Julius at hand SC Volcanoes a late 1-0 lead.
Merely as the home followers appeared set to rejoice one different victory, Gorilla Highlands responded dramatically in stoppage time. Maniraguha Junior silenced the gang inside the 94th minute with a significant equalizer that secured a useful stage for the friends.
The result marked a big enchancment for Gorilla Highlands, who had suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat in opposition to SC Volcanoes inside the first-round meeting earlier this season.
No matter dropping elements for the first time this advertising marketing campaign, SC Volcanoes keep excessive of the FUFA Western Regional League desk with 46 elements and a superior goal distinction of +39. Gorilla Highlands hold sixth with 15 elements and a goal distinction of -6.
Speaking after the match, Gorilla Highlands head coach Mukiibi Sulaiman acknowledged his side’s struggles all by way of the season nonetheless praised the combating spirit confirmed all through the derby.
He described the result as a reflection of the depth and competitiveness anticipated in native rivalries.
SC Volcanoes assistant coach Serumanga Gavi Brian expressed disappointment with the draw, noting that the workforce had centered most elements from the fixture.
He revealed that accidents and illness affecting key players, along with Alijuuna and Babuji, weakened the workforce defensively all through the competition.
Serumanga, nonetheless, reaffirmed the membership’s focus ahead of the remaining fixtures in opposition to Kihiihi Youthful Boys and Rwenshama FC, along with the upcoming FUFA Large League qualification playoffs.
Within the meantime, the official trophy handover ceremony for the Western Regional League champions has been rescheduled to SC Volcanoes’ closing residence sport in opposition to Kihiihi Youthful Boys on May 24, 2026, at Mashaka Playground in Kisoro District.
