Local Sports – SC Volcanoes’ historic 15-match winning streak ended in a hard-fought 1-1 derby draw against Gorilla Highlands, as thousands packed Mashaka Playground in Kisoro for a thrilling Western Region League showdown.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Both teams showed their eagerness by arriving at the venue a full hour before the scheduled 4 PM kickoff, but the high-stakes clash eventually began at 4:25 PM following a brief delay caused by the referees’ late arrival.
Despite the setback of dropping their first points of the season, league leaders SC Volcanoes remain atop the Western Region table after a dramatic, evenly contested derby that lived up to every bit of its pre-match hype.
From kickoff, SC Volcanoes drew energy from their passionate supporters, who filled the stands in large numbers for the much-anticipated derby clash.
The opening minutes were evenly contested, with both sides controlling possession cautiously, before Gorilla Highlands SC registered the first real attempt, a free kick that went off target.
SC Volcanoes responded with dangerous attacking moves orchestrated by Muheirwe Devis (7) and defender Ikooza Derrick (6), but striker Lukyamuzi Julius (9) saw his effort ruled out for a marginal offside.
Volcanoes kept pressing through composed midfield play from Magende (22) and skillful winger Ndahura (8), though solid defending from Prince (12) and Michael (4) denied him entry into the penalty area.
In the 30th minute, Gorilla Highlands’ Sembuya (8) and Kawenja won possession inside Volcanoes’ area and launched a dangerous attack, but defender Tumusime Henry stood firm to stop the threat.
Both teams remained disciplined defensively throughout the opening half, forcing the first period to end in a goalless stalemate.
After the break, SC Volcanoes returned with attacking intent, aggressively searching for the opener through Lukyamuzi Julius, only to be repeatedly repelled by Gorilla Highlands’ defense.
In the 62nd minute, tactical substitutions saw captain Mandela Alex (12) and Muheirwe Devis (7) replaced by Sunny (11) and Shaban (14), injecting fresh energy as Ndahura, Fiat, Shaban, and Sunny combined well, though the visitors stayed compact at the back.
In the 70th minute, Lukyamuzi Julius nearly broke the deadlock after beating the last defender, but Gorilla Highlands’ goalkeeper produced a stunning save, punching the ball away to preserve the scoreline.
SC Volcanoes finally broke the deadlock in the 89th minute when defender Ikooza Derrick launched a long pass to Shaban, who crossed for Lukyamuzi Julius to slot home the first goal and give his side a 1-0 lead.
Despite conceding so late, Gorilla Highlands refused to surrender, and deep into stoppage time at 90+4 minutes, Maniraguha Junior stunned the home crowd with a dramatic equalizer to force a 1-1 derby draw.
Having thrashed Gorilla Highlands 6-0 in the first round at the same venue, SC Volcanoes found the second derby leg far more competitive and had to settle for a single point.
The draw keeps SC Volcanoes at the top of the Western Region League with 46 points and a +39 goal difference, while Gorilla Highlands remain sixth with 15 points and a -6 difference.
After the match, Gorilla Highlands head coach Mukiibi Sulaiman admitted his side has struggled all season but promised supporters improved performances next season, adding that the derby reflected the intensity expected from a home rivalry.
SC Volcanoes assistant coach Serumanga Gavi Brian expressed disappointment at dropping points, noting that injuries and illness to key players like Alijuuna (5) and Babuji weakened the defense in a difficult derby encounter.
Serumanga assured fans the team remains focused on remaining fixtures against Kihiihi Young Boys and away to Rwenshama FC, as well as the upcoming Big League playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Western Region League trophy handover has been rescheduled for Volcanoes’ last home match on May 24, 2026, at Mashaka Playground in Kisoro District.
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