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SC Volcanoes saw their impressive 15-match winning streak come to an end after being held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by Gorilla Highlands Sports Club in a heated FUFA Western Regional League derby at Mashaka Playground in Kisoro District.
The highly anticipated encounter attracted thousands of football fans, with both teams arriving at the venue before 3:00 PM ahead of the scheduled kickoff. However, the match started 25 minutes late after match officials reportedly arrived behind schedule.
The opening exchanges were balanced as both sides maintained disciplined defensive structures while cautiously building possession. Gorilla Highlands created the first notable opportunity through a free kick, but the effort failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
SC Volcanoes gradually asserted control through coordinated attacking movements orchestrated by Muheirwe Devis and defender Ikooza Derrick, who combined effectively with striker Lukyamuzi Julius. One early attacking move was ruled out for offside as the hosts pushed for an opener.
Midfielder Magende dictated play in the middle of the park, releasing winger Ndahura into dangerous attacking areas, but Gorilla Highlands defenders Prince and Michael remained composed to deny clear scoring opportunities.
Gorilla Highlands nearly punished the league leaders in the 30th minute when Sembuya and Kawenja combined inside the penalty area, only for defender Tumusime Henry to make a crucial intervention.
Despite several attacking sequences from both teams, the first half ended goalless.
SC Volcanoes returned for the second half with greater attacking intensity as Lukyamuzi Julius repeatedly threatened the Gorilla Highlands backline. In the 62nd minute, the hosts introduced Sunny and Shaban for captain Mandela Alex and Muheirwe Devis in a tactical adjustment aimed at increasing attacking momentum.
The changes revitalized Volcanoes’ forward play, with Ndahura, Fiat, Shaban, and Sunny combining effectively around the final third. However, Gorilla Highlands maintained a compact defensive shape and continued frustrating the home side.
Lukyamuzi Julius came close to breaking the deadlock in the 70th minute after beating the last defender, but Gorilla Highlands’ goalkeeper produced a brilliant save to keep the scores level.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute when Ikooza Derrick delivered a long pass into attack before Shaban whipped in a cross that was clinically finished by Lukyamuzi Julius to hand SC Volcanoes a late 1-0 lead.
Just as the home fans appeared set to celebrate another victory, Gorilla Highlands responded dramatically in stoppage time. Maniraguha Junior silenced the crowd in the 94th minute with a crucial equalizer that secured a valuable point for the visitors.
The result marked a major improvement for Gorilla Highlands, who had suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat against SC Volcanoes in the first-round meeting earlier this season.
Despite dropping points for the first time this campaign, SC Volcanoes remain top of the FUFA Western Regional League table with 46 points and a superior goal difference of +39. Gorilla Highlands stay sixth with 15 points and a goal difference of -6.
Speaking after the match, Gorilla Highlands head coach Mukiibi Sulaiman acknowledged his side’s struggles throughout the season but praised the fighting spirit shown during the derby.
He described the result as a reflection of the intensity and competitiveness expected in local rivalries.
SC Volcanoes assistant coach Serumanga Gavi Brian expressed disappointment with the draw, noting that the team had targeted maximum points from the fixture.
He revealed that injuries and illness affecting key players, including Alijuuna and Babuji, weakened the team defensively during the contest.
Serumanga, however, reaffirmed the club’s focus ahead of the remaining fixtures against Kihiihi Young Boys and Rwenshama FC, as well as the upcoming FUFA Big League qualification playoffs.
Meanwhile, the official trophy handover ceremony for the Western Regional League champions has been rescheduled to SC Volcanoes’ final home game against Kihiihi Young Boys on May 24, 2026, at Mashaka Playground in Kisoro District.
