Acholi and Busoga played to a 1-1 draw at Booma Grounds in Kitgum in the first leg of the FUFA Drum quarterfinals.
Acholi, champions in 2019, needed a late penalty from Brian James Obedi in the 90th minute to rescue a point, after Dickson Matama had given Busoga the lead earlier.
Jean Braddy Wokorach will take the stick for Busoga’s goal, with the goalkeeper coming out but failing to defend a long ball into the box, allowing Matama who beat defenders before planting it into the top corner.
The qualiser arrived in the 90th minute, Obedi looked to have gone down too easily for the penalty, but showed composure to beat Goalkeeper Isabirye Waiswa from the spot.
Coached by Charles Ayiekho, Busoga United will hope to get the job done back home in the return leg due March 28 at Ssaza Grounds in Iganga when Peter Onen’s side visits.
A moment of silence was observed before kickoff in respect for fans and officials of Red Devo FC Fans who perished in an accident coming from their Uganda Cup fixture against Express FC
In another quarterfinal match, Bunyoro and West Nile settled for a goalless draw at Royal Park Butema in Hoima.
The first leg quarterfinals conclude on Sunday, with defending champions Lango visiting Teso Province at Ngora High School playground, while Buganda, winners of the inaugural edition in 2018, face Tooro Province at Lugazi Stadium.
FUFA Drum Tournament Champions:
2023/24: Lango Province
2022: West Nile Province
2019: Acholi Province
2018: Buganda Province