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SC Volcanoes (Mutolere SC) were officially crowned champions of the FUFA Western Region League following a dramatic 1-1 derby draw against Gorilla Highlands Sports Club at a packed Mashaka Playground in Kisoro District.
The highly anticipated derby attracted thousands of football fans as the newly crowned champions hosted their regional rivals in what turned out to be one of the most intense fixtures of the season.
Both teams arrived early at the venue ahead of the scheduled 4 PM kickoff, but the match eventually started at 4:25 PM after delays involving match officials.
Backed by a massive home crowd, SC Volcanoes entered the contest aiming to extend their remarkable winning streak after winning all their previous 15 league matches this season.
The opening stages saw both teams approach the game cautiously, with possession shared evenly across midfield. Gorilla Highlands registered the first meaningful opportunity from a set-piece, but the resulting effort failed to trouble the hosts.
SC Volcanoes gradually began asserting themselves through the attacking movements of Muheirwe Devis and Lukyamuzi Julius, with defender Ikooza Derrick also pushing forward to support attacks. One promising move was ruled out for offside as the hosts searched for an early breakthrough.
The home side continued to dominate possession with Magende controlling the midfield tempo while winger Ndahura consistently threatened down the flanks. However, Gorilla Highlands remained compact defensively, with Prince and Michael producing key interventions to frustrate the league leaders.
Gorilla Highlands nearly stunned the home supporters midway through the first half when Sembuya and Kawenja combined dangerously inside the Volcanoes penalty area, but defender Tumusime Henry produced a crucial defensive stop to preserve parity.
Despite several attacking attempts from both sides, the first half ended goalless.
After the restart, SC Volcanoes returned with greater urgency and intensified pressure on the visitors’ defense. Lukyamuzi Julius remained the focal point in attack, although Gorilla Highlands continued to defend with discipline.
In the 62nd minute, Volcanoes made tactical changes, introducing Sunny and Shaban for captain Mandela Alex and Muheirwe Devis in a move that injected fresh energy into the hosts’ attack.
The substitutions immediately transformed the tempo of the game as Ndahura, Fiat, Shaban, and Sunny combined effectively in several attacking sequences. Gorilla Highlands goalkeeper, however, remained alert and produced important saves to deny the champions.
Lukyamuzi Julius came close to opening the scoring in the 70th minute after beating the last defender, but the Gorilla Highlands goalkeeper produced a brilliant save to keep the match level.
SC Volcanoes finally broke the deadlock in the 89th minute when Ikooza Derrick delivered a long ball forward to Shaban, whose cross found Lukyamuzi Julius inside the box for a composed finish that sent the home crowd into celebration.
But the drama was not over.
Deep into stoppage time, Gorilla Highlands silenced the stadium after Maniraguha Junior scored a dramatic equalizer in the 90+4th minute to rescue a point for the visitors and end Volcanoes’ perfect winning run.
The result marked a significant 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, SC Volcanoes comfortably remain top of the Western Region League standings with 46 points and a superior goal difference, while Gorilla Highlands move to 15 points as they continue pushing for a stronger finish to the campaign.
Speaking after the match, Gorilla Highlands head coach Mukiibi Sulaiman acknowledged the difficulties his side has faced throughout the season but praised his players for showing resilience in the derby.
Meanwhile, SC Volcanoes assistant coach Serumanga Gavi Brian admitted disappointment at failing to secure victory, revealing that injuries and illness affecting several key players weakened the team defensively.
He, nevertheless, assured supporters that the team remains focused ahead of their remaining league fixtures against Kihiihi Young Boys and Rwenshama FC, as well as the upcoming FUFA Big League qualification playoffs.
FUFA officials also confirmed that the official trophy handover ceremony for SC Volcanoes has been rescheduled to their final home match against Kihiihi Young Boys on May 24, 2026, at Mashaka Playground in Kisoro District.
