By John Baptist Opua
Andrea Noll Ogwal was the hero of the night as his brilliant solo effort secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Blacks Power, handing Kataka their ninth loss of the season in a tense encounter in Mbale City.
The game, played on the festive occasion of Eid el-Fitr, saw Blacks Power leap to second place in the Big League standings, just one point behind leaders Buhimba United Saints.
Kataka, on the other hand, suffered a second consecutive defeat, leaving their fans in frustration.
The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. Kataka, still reeling from a 2-1 home loss to Buhimba United Saints, were desperate to make amends in front of their supporters.
But Blacks Power, determined to bounce back from a goalless draw against Booma in their last outing, kept pressing for an opening.
The decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute when Ogwal, a recent signing from Lira City Council FC, produced a moment of magic. His strike silenced the Kataka faithful and sealed an important win for Blacks Power, marking his first goal for the club in dramatic fashion.
The result sees Blacks Power climb to 34 points, while Buhimba United Saints remain at the top with 35 points, having played one more game. Kataka remain in eighth place with 24 points from 19 matches, piling more pressure on head coach Toldo Godfrey to turn things around.
Blacks Power will now shift their focus to their next challenge, a home fixture against Kaaro Karungi FC on April 6 in Lira City.
Starting Lineups
Kataka XI:
Ronald Nsubuga (GK), Steven Namaisi (C), Imulla Okello, James Wanendeya, Abdul Rahman Maloba, Isaac Owiny, Michael Olinga, Emmanuel Kulanga, Muhammad Biafula, Isaac Balyejusa, Ali Ssentamu
Blacks Power XI:
Emmanuel Odongkara (GK), Isaac Okello (C), Dan Otim, Ogwal, Innocent Maduka, Baker Buyala, Opio Simon Misaki, Michael Siwu, John Paul Acire, Paul Oonyu, Andrea
Other Results
Saturday, March 29
Kigezi Homeboyz 3-0 Arua Hill
Sunday, March 30
Kataka 0-1 Blacks Power
Onduparaka 0-1 Ntugasaze
Calvary 0-0 Gaddafi
Kiyinda Boys 3-0 Busoga United
Kaaro Karungi 1-0 Booma
