Onduparaka edged out Arua Hill 1-0 in dramatic fashion on Sunday at the Greenlight Stadium in Arua, thanks to Junior Andama’s composed stoppage-time penalty.
The victory moves Onduparaka to fourth place on the FUFA Big League table with 12 points, keeping them firmly in the promotion race.
The Caterpillars had dominated the encounter, but struggled to find a breakthrough despite hitting the woodwork and forcing multiple saves from Arua Hill goalkeeper Desmond Oryema.
Efforts from Jamal Malish, Caesar Okhuti, and Bruno Bbosa were all denied by Oryema’s heroic performance.
However, their persistence paid off in added time when a handball from an Arua Hill defender gifted them a penalty.
Andama stepped up and coolly converted, securing a crucial three points for the Caterpillars.
Onduparaka now sit two points behind leaders Calvary, who secured an emphatic 3-1 victory over Busoga United yesterday, and drew with second-placed Booma 0-0 on Saturday.
The Caterpillars are also just one point behind third-placed Blacks Power, who did not play over the weekend but remain within striking distance.
On the other hand, Arua Hill’s struggles continue as they remain second from the bottom with just four points from seven games.
Their relocation to Gulu has yet to yield positive results as they face a tough battle to climb out of the relegation zone.
Elsewhere in the Big League, Paidha Black Angels boosted their survival hopes with a narrow 1-0 victory over Busoga United on Saturday, marking their second win so far this season.
Gaddafi shone on the road, delivering a commanding 2-0 win over Buhimba United Saints, a victory that leaves them 5th on the log after six matches played.
Ntugasaze also impressed with a 2-0 triumph away to MYDA, while Kigezi Homeboyz edged Kataka 1-0 in another closely fought contest.
