Paidha Black Angels are back in the FUFA Big League after overcoming Northern Gateway 2-0 in the second leg of the promotional playoffs at a fully packed Bar Okoro stadium.
The first leg at the UTC Ground in Lira had ended in a barren draw last week.
Second-half goals from Benjamin Opakrwoth and Lutakome Juma inspired the Blacks to the Second division.
It was a nervy start to the decider by both sides, but the visitors enjoyed most of the possession.
However, the hosts started growing into the game and had the best chances of the first half.
Jamal Suleiman tested the visitors’ goalkeeper Moses Olila with a powerful strike before he easily bundled Lutakome’s header from a Gadaffi Gadinho free-kick.
Lutakome again watched as his swift drive sailed over the bar after a nice aeroplane turn.
Northern Gateway’s only threatening attempt on target was from skipper Allan Atala, whose free-kick was collected by goalkeeper Abdul Bagenda.
In the second half, Paidha Black Angels regrouped and started taking the ball to Northern Gateway.
Their dominance paid off in the 52nd minute when Opakrwoth broke the deadlock, tapping home from captain Yoacel Raymond’s cutback pass after he was freed by Gadinho, sending the home crowd off their seats.
In the 95th minute, Lutakome doubled the hosts’ lead with an inch-perfect header off a well-drilled delivery from left-back Jamal, killing the visitors’ hope of a possible equalizer and sending the highly populated Bar Okoro stadium into jubilation.
They last played in the Big League on Sunday, June 13th, 2021, falling 4-0 to then-champions Arua Hill, but their relegation had earlier been confirmed.
Sunday, June 6th, 2021, was a dark day in the history of the club after their relegation to the West Nile Regional League was confirmed following a 6-2 defeat to Gaddafi FC at the Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe.
A brace from James Otim and a goal each from Mark Bamukyaye, Frank Mulimi, Steven Munguchi, and an own goal, while Paidha Black Angels’ goals were scored by Kilama Dickens.
Then, they finished bottom of the Elgon Group with 5 points in 14 matches.
Now, after three years under the guidance of Hassan Nassur and Chancelee Morgan, Paidha Black Angels will once again play in the second tier.
Players Used
Paidha Black Angels XI: Abdul Bagenda (GK), Yoacel Raymond Ayo, Jamal Suleiman, Odagiu Khalid, Opar William Cisse, David Obendmoth Dante, Joel Jangeyambe, Gadaffi Gadinho, Opar Jacob, Lutakome Juma, Benjamin Opakrwoth.
Northern Gateway XI: Moses Olila (GK), Allan Atala, Emmanuel Odur, Ivan Olum, Shadrack Ojok, Daniel Ayo, Herbert Okello, Daniel Okello, Benjamin Ario, Jacob Adoko, Daniel Ojok.
