Blacks Power squandered the chance to end the first round of the FUFA Big League as table leaders after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Busoga United at the Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe on Monday.
The Lira-based side, champions of the 2021/22 campaign, entered the encounter just one point behind table leaders Gaddafi, who were held to a goalless draw by Kataka on Sunday.
A win for Blacks Power would have propelled them to 32 points, two clear of Gaddafi, ensuring they ended the first round on a high.
However, Nazir Sserwadda’s second-half header dealt a crushing blow to their ambitions.
Blacks Power created several chances but lacked the clinical edge to capitalise. Daniel Otim saw his freekick expertly saved, Innocent Maduka missed a one-on-one opportunity, and Joshua Omara’s free header went wide.
The result marked Blacks Power’s third loss of the season, leaving them in second place with 29 points, one adrift of Gaddafi, who remain top with 30 points.
Meanwhile, Busoga United extended their winning streak to three games in what has been a remarkable turnaround.
Sserwadda’s decisive goal lifted them to ninth place on the table with 17 points, eight behind the automatic promotion spots.
The Jinja-based outfit continues to show signs of recovery after a slow start to the campaign. They will look to maintain momentum when they host seventh-placed Kataka on February 2.
Blacks Power will aim to bounce back on the same day when they travel to Gulu to face Arua Hill at the Pece War Memorial Stadium.
