The first-leg quarter-final matches of the Ankole Cup 2026 delivered excitement, goals, and tense encounters as counties took the first step in the race for the semi-finals.
Ntungamo County emerged as the biggest winners of the round after a dominant 4-0 victory over Rwampara County, while Bushenyi County secured a valuable away win against Mbarara City.
Playing at home, Ntungamo County produced a clinical performance, with Paul Mucureezi and Vianney Ssekajugo each scoring a brace to hand their side a commanding 4-0 advantage ahead of the return leg. In Mbarara, Bushenyi County defeated Mbarara City 2-1 thanks to goals from Hillary Mukundane and Isma Kawawulo, while Clinton Kamugisha scored the hosts’ only goal to keep the tie alive.
Elsewhere, Buhweju and Kiruhura settled for a 1-1 draw after Marvin Akandwanaho gave Buhweju the lead before Ronald Kayondo equalized for Kiruhura.
In Ibanda, neither Ibanda nor Rubirizi could find a breakthrough as they played out a goalless draw in a tightly contested encounter.
Attention now shifts to the return-leg fixtures, where the four semi-final places will be decided in what promises to be another thrilling round of action.