Ntoroko County produced a dominant display on home soil to defeat Kitagwenda County 4-1 in their second Group B match of the MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Football Tournament, played at the fully packed Karugutu Primary School Playground.
The emphatic win propelled Ntoroko to the top of Group B with three points and a superior goal difference, reviving their semi-final hopes and putting pressure on Burahya County, who also sit on three points.
John Kisembo was the standout performer for Ntoroko, netting twice—once in the 18th minute and again in second-half stoppage time (92nd minute)—earning him the Man of the Match award and an MTN Kabode phone.
Ntoroko doubled their early lead when Fred Ndugwa rose above the defense to head in the second goal, sending the local fans into celebration mode.
Kitagwenda, playing their first match of the tournament, managed to pull one back before halftime through Rahim Mayaja, keeping the contest alive.
However, the first half ended on a dramatic note when Ntoroko defender Siraji Bwambale was shown a straight red card in the 21st minute for a last-man foul on Darius Naturinda, reducing the home side to ten men.
Despite the setback, Ntoroko remained the stronger side in the second half. Masembe Juma extended the lead with a well-placed header, courtesy of an assist from Mugara Geoffrey, before Kisembo sealed the game with his second and Ntoroko’s fourth goal.
Francis Mwesige, a Ntoroko official, praised the team’s resilience and home performance:
“We are happy that our boys played a very good game and managed to win at home.”
Meanwhile, James Mwesigye, assistant coach for Kitagwenda, admitted his side failed to rise to the occasion:
“We didn’t play well right from the start. We conceded two early goals and our players made mistakes which cost the team.”
Kitagwenda now sit bottom of Group B with no points and will face Burahya County in their final group fixture. Burahya needs just a draw to advance to the semifinals, while a win would see them top the group.
As Ntoroko await the result of that clash, their dominant display has positioned them as serious contenders in a tournament that continues to unite fans, showcase local talent, and bring high-energy football to the heart of the Tooro Kingdom.