Africa-Press – Uganda. LIRA: Buhimba United Saints FC cemented their push for promotion to the Uganda Premier League with a 2-1 away victory over fellow title contenders Blacks Power FC in a tense FUFA Big League match that resumed Monday morning at UTC playground in Lira City.
The match, billed as a potential title decider, was originally halted in the on Sunday at 23rd minute into the first half due to a heavy downpour that rendered the pitch waterlogged.
It resumed at 11:08am today, with both teams aware that three points could dramatically alter the promotion race.
Buhimba showed greater composure and tactical discipline after the restart, netting twice before Blacks Power pulled one back. Despite late pressure, the visitors held on to snatch all three points and stretch their tally to 48 points, four clear of second-placed Police FC.
Coach John Ongodia: “We knew the buttons to press”
Buhimba United Saints head coach John Ongodia, who previously coached Blacks Power, described the encounter as emotionally charged and tactically intense. Ongodia said they knew the buttons to press to secure the win.
“It has not been an easy game because this is a top-of-the-table clash. And being my former team that I was with last season, I came into this game knowing who we were playing. I knew the buttons to press—and glory be to God, we got the win,” he said.
He added that “When we got the first goal, we knew it would be tricky. So we came into the second half prepared to push for a second, and the boys executed perfectly.”
Ongodia however expressed frustration over what he termed as unfair officiating of the game.
“There was a foul on our goalkeeper for the goal we conceded, but the officials didn’t blow. Nevertheless, we concentrate on ourselves and not on officiating. The important thing is we got the points,” says Ongodia.
Ongodia said that “Our target is the Super League. The trophy will be a bonus, but promotion is the goal. We must not get excited, we must stay focused,”
Blacks Power assistant coach Patrick Ochan expressed disappointment over the result but called for calm and continued support from fans.
“It’s a bad day at the office that we didn’t pick up a point. The boys tried their best and created chances, but we didn’t convert. We conceded easy goals that we should have avoided, but these things happen in football,” says Ochan.
Ochan also shared frustration with the match officiating that saw the home team conceding two goals.
“I think we should have gotten maybe a penalty, but sometimes it’s the referee’s decision that stands. The first session was 50-50. We’re going to keep working hard. Our mission to get to the Uganda Premier League is still on. We still have four games to go, and we shall bounce back strong,” says Ochan.
Remaining Fixtures – Buhimba United Saints
Vs Calvary FC (Home)
Vs Jinja North United (Away)
Vs Police FC (Home) – Potential title decider
Blacks Power FC
Vs Onduparaka FC (Away)
Vs Calvary FC (Away)
Vs Lugazi FC (Home)
Vs Jinja North United (Away)
The result has added intensity to the final games of the season, especially with Buhimba set to face fellow contenders Police FC in their last fixture, a clash that could decide both the title and the final promotion slot.
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