The fourth edition of the FUFA Drum got underway with two qualification games on the card on Saturday.
At Kigaaya Primary School ground, Hoima Bunyoro province welcomed Sebei in a tie that saw the home side convincingly win 3-0.
Bunyoro province fielded a side that had familiar faces such as Uganda Cranes defender Gift Fred, KCCA FC’s Brian Aheebwa, Frank Zaga and Kabon Living.
Kabon broke the deadlock at the half hour mark after numerous attempts and attacks at the visitors territory.
Ten minutes later Brian Aheebwa doubled the hosts lead to ensure they go for recess in a comfortable lead.
One minute into the second half, Kabon completed his brace and went on to be named the Man Of The Match after full time.
Both sides will meet again in the return leg a week later at Sebei College in Kapchorwa on Saturday 1st July 2023.
At Kings George stadium, Tororo, home side Bukedi Province succumbed to a 0-2 loss against Ankole.
A 3rd minute own goal from defender Benon Tahomera and a Seiri Arigumaho 59th minute strike gifted the visitors with the priceless and vital first leg victory.
Arigumaho who game the home side a troublesome evening was went on to scoop the Man Of The Match gong.
They will meet again next Saturday 1st July at Bushenyi stadium to determine who storms the group stages.
More group stage qualification action continue tomorrow, Sunday 25th with two games on the plate that will witness Rwenzori entertain Kigezi at Nyakasanga, Kasese while Busoga will host Karamoja at Municipal stadium, Kamuli before the return legs both on Sunday 2nd July 2023.
2023 edition format
The fourth edition comes with several changes including increase in the number of games from 36 played last year to 42.
Additionally, this year’s final will be played on a one-legged basis.
The new format
On the basis of the last edition’s performance, the best 8 provinces (Quarterfinalists) get a bye at the first round.
Last year’s Quarterfinalists include West Nile, Lango, Acholi, Tooro, Buganda, Kampala, Teso and Bugisu.
The 8 provinces that did not make it to the quarterfinals last year were randomly paired and will play at the first round.
The first round fixtures are as follows;
Bunyoro vs Sebei
Ankole vs Bukedi
Rwenzori vs Kigezi
Busoga vs Karamoja
The aforementioned fixtures will be played on a home and away basis. The winners on aggregate will proceed to the group stage.
Group phase
Unlike the previous editions, this year, the competition will have four groups each with three provinces.
Semifinalists from last year’s edition have been seeded and each were placed in a separate group. The four provinces include West Nile, Lango, Acholi and Tooro.
At the group stage, the games will be played on a home and away basis.
The best two teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals. The games at this level will also be played on a home and away basis with the winners on aggregate advancing to the semifinals.
Groups
Group A
Teso
Winner between Ankole and Bukedi
Acholi
Group B
Lango
Kampala
Winner between Rwenzori or Kigezi
Group C
Winner between Busoga and Karamoja
West Nile
Bugisu
Group D
Winner between Bunyoro and Sebei
Tooro
Buganda
The Qualification fixtures get underway on Saturday 24th June 2023 with Bunyoro hosting Sebei in the first leg while Bukedi will entertain Ankole province.
On Sunday 25th June, Rwenzori will host Kigezi while Busoga hosts Karamoja.
The return leg of the above mentioned fixtures will be played on 1st and 2nd July 2023 to determine who qualifies to the group stages.
Ankole Starting XI 
Bukedi Starting XI 
