Bukiri Rangers needed an extra time goal to advance to the final of the Michezonet 2019 Football Tournament to be played on the Christmas Day. Collins Oguti’s goal in the second half of the extra half was enough to knock out spirited Busijo United and book a place with Young Muslims to be played at Nandereka Primary School.
Young Muslims qualified for the final in their maiden appearance in the tournament after beating Lucky Stars 2-0 in the first semifinal played on Monday. The entertaining semi-final two match was sent into extra time after Pascal Juma had cancelled Busijo’s goal with ten minutes to play. Busijo had taken the lead three minutes to the break through James Wandera who tapped in a cross from the right flank to beat hapless Bukiri Rangers custodian.
The second half saw Bukiri Rangers play more attacking game as their opponent opted for a more defensive game.
Despite this, Bukiri Rangers showed their zeal to qualify with any opportunity that they got in their opportunity half.
They saw two clear chances to waste in the 53rd and 69th minute.
Another attack from Bukiri Ranger resulted to a handball in the box which the referee didn’t hesitate to penalize.
Pascal Juma made no mistake by slotting in the equalizer. The remaining minutes of the thrilling match failed to bear any goal leading into extra time.
The two sides created a number of chances but it was Bukiri Rangers who capitalized on one of the many chances by scoring the winner eight minutes to the end of the match. The tournament top scorer Oguti was happy with his side’s performances in the match against a strong side.
“Busijo were a strong team today. They gave us something to think off today. We are looking at carrying the lessons from this match into the final,” Oguti who is leading the scoring chart with six goals said.
The final will start at 3pm on Wednesday 25th December.