Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Eddy Kenzo being welcomed in Ibanda (4)
Search
Ibanda
Ankole Cup Results
Tuesday Fixture
It was yet another exciting outing in the newly revamped Ankole Football Cup, with the tournament's festive atmosphere and growing fanfare shifting to Kagongo as Ibanda District hosted Kazo District at St. George's PTC Grounds on Sunday.
The match followed the tournament opener in Bushenyi, where a mammoth crowd turned up to witness the clash between arch-rivals Bushenyi and Sheema districts. That encounter also ended in a goalless draw.
While tournament brand ambassador and celebrated Ugandan musician Edrisah Musuuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo, was unable to attend the opening fixture in Bushenyi due to prior commitments, he made his much-anticipated appearance in Ibanda.
Eddy Kenzo being welcomed in Ibanda
Dressed in a yellow T-shirt branded "Ankole Cup 2026" on the front and "Hon. Maari 8 – Visit Isingiro" on the back, paired with black trousers and white sneakers, Kenzo arrived at St. George's Grounds aboard an open-roof vehicle. Blowing a vuvuzela and waving to fans, he was greeted by loud cheers from hundreds of supporters who had eagerly awaited his arrival.
His appearance followed a convoy procession from Kazo through Ibanda Town, accompanied by boda boda riders and enthusiastic fans.
Upon arrival, Kenzo was welcomed by tournament organiser Osborn Mushabe before meeting various dignitaries, including Members of Parliament and Ibanda District leaders. He later inspected the two teams before addressing the crowd.
Speaking briefly in both Runyankole and English, Kenzo thanked the fans for turning up in large numbers.
"Hey, I am happy to see all of you. I can still speak some Runyankole because I remember a bit of it. I love you so much, and I wish you all the best. Enjoy the game," he said.
On the pitch, both teams displayed impressive quality football. Ibanda relied heavily on star player Marvin Oshaba, while Kazo looked to Ian Amanya for inspiration. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, neither side managed to break the deadlock as both goalkeepers remained alert throughout the match.
Some MPs joined the fans in welcoming Eddy Kenzo
The game ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving Kazo to prepare for another highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Kiruhura on Saturday, while Ibanda awaits its next fixture against the same opponents.
Meanwhile, the Mbarara City versus Mbarara District match, played on Monday, was moved from Kakyeka Stadium to Nyakayojo Secondary School Grounds in Ruti due to concerns about low attendance at the original venue.
Ibanda's Ashraf Mugume (yellow) battles Issa Bugembe of Kazo
The relocation appeared to pay off, as a sizeable crowd turned up despite Mbarara City patron and Member of Parliament Mwine Mpaka offering free entrance to fans.
However, the match also ended goalless, making it three consecutive 0-0 draws in the opening three fixtures of the tournament, which has attracted participation from all 13 districts of the Ankole sub-region.
Despite the lack of goals so far, the tournament continues to generate significant excitement and attract large crowds, with organisers optimistic that the goals will eventually follow.
Other Photos
Ibanda team
Kazo team
Kenzo meets Kazo team
The football fans were in thuousands 
Torch Media Africa
