Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Action betwen Sheema and Bushenyi
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Bushenyi
It was not only the highly anticipated encounter between arch-rivals Bushenyi District and Sheema District football teams that defined the official opening of the new-look Ankole Cup at Bushenyi Grounds on Saturday, but also the atmosphere and the massive crowd that turned up for the event.
The mammoth crowd that endured long queues for entry and paid the Shs5,000 entrance fee clearly demonstrated how hungry football fans in Ankole have been for locally organized football competitions.
The crowd that turned up
Fans from across the Ankole region turned up in large numbers to witness the clash between two of the most respected football powerhouses in the history of Ankole. Organisers later announced collections of Shs28 million from gate proceeds.
This formed the first highlight of the day. The official match was preceded by the St Kagwa vs Muntuyera High School Kitunga encounter, which ended in a goalless draw, before the Media vs MPs of Ankole exhibition match that left many spectators with aching ribs from laughter and entertainment.
Mwine Mpaka in action against media
Notable starters for the Members of Parliament team included Mwine Mpaka (Mbarara City South), Viola Buroko (Ntungamo Woman MP), Peter Agaba (Ibanda Municipality), Maari Asensio (Isingiro South), Adrine Mwebesa (Sheema Woman MP), Lilian Ruteraho (Isingiro Woman MP), Iddi Bassajjabalaba (Ishaka-Bushenyi Municipality), Mercy Kanyesigye (National Female Youth MP), and Annet Katusiime Mugisha (Bushenyi Woman MP).
By the final whistle, the media team had suffered a 2–1 defeat courtesy of a wonderful strike from Mwine Mpaka and an own goal by Collins Tusubira.
Attention then shifted to the main event — the rivalry clash between hosts Bushenyi and Sheema — which kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game.
MPs vs Media
Bushenyi, missing captain and national team defender Hilary Mukundane, while Sheema was without versatile striker and National League top scorer Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who were both away on national duty, nevertheless produced an entertaining contest.
Bushenyi created more opportunities and looked more likely to win the game, but leading striker and BUL FC marksman Seiri Arigumaho lacked the finishing touch.
The crowd that turned up
Sheema also had chances to spoil Bushenyi’s day but failed to capitalize on three clear opportunities as Bushenyi goalkeeper Hassan remained alert to keep his side in the game.
The match eventually ended in a 1–1 draw in the Group A opener, with much anticipation now shifting to the return leg in Sheema after Bushenyi’s visit to Ntungamo on June 14.
Tournament organiser Osborn Mushabe hailed the teams for their display and emphasized that all participating teams must strictly adhere to tournament rules.
Other Pictures 
The MPs Team 
The Media Team 
Bushenyi team
Sheema team
Torch Media Africa
