FUFA Big League: Regular Season final day results
- Wandegeya 2-3 Kirinya-Jinja S.S
- Onduparaka 3-0 Sporting United
- Masavu 3-2 Hope Doves
- Boma Young 0-1 Baza Holdings
- Kasese New Villa 1-1 Proline
- Ndejje University 2-1 Artland Katale
- Paidha Black Angels 2-0 Water
- Entebbe F.C Vs Kireka United (Kireka United arrived late)
Kirinya-Jinja S.S and Onduparaka Football Clubs became the first two FUFA Big League sides this term to get promoted to the 2016/17 Uganda Premier League.
Kawowo Sports’ David Isabirye brings you the detailed recap of how the Jinja and Arua sides managed to wrap up the business on the final day of regular season with heart breaks to the opposition.
Prior to the red-letter day, it was all clear that Kirinya -Jinja S.S, Proline, Onduparaka and Sporting United were the four clubs that had a realistic chance of making the Premier League grade.
Wandegeya hosted Kirinya-Jinja S.S, Onduparaka entertained Sporting and already relegated Kasese New Villa were at home to Proline.
Proline and Onduparaka and Sporting United needed any sort of victory to top their respective groups although a draw would still be good enough for Onduparaka.
All the matches kicked off at the same time to avoid any sort of interference and undue influence
At the swampy and water logged Kanyanya play ground, winger James ‘Demba’ Otim shot Kirinya-Jinja S.S ahead as early as the 7th minute.
In Arua at the full to capacity Green Light stadium, it was the home side, Onduparaka in ascendancy with a Rashid Agau goal and Mertaksacker’s missed penalty dominating the news.
Meanwhile, the scores at Buhinga remained goal-less. Within a space of five minutes, Shafiq Mulangira equalized for Wandegeya.
News from Fort Portal filtered in that Proline’s burly forward Fahad Bayo had put the yellow and blue stripped boys ahead.
Towards the end of the first half at Kanyanya, Wandegeya took the lead through Mulangira’s effort.
The half time scores from the three crucial games favoured Proline and Onduparaka.
Wandegeya and Kirinya-Jinja S.S players assemble before kick-off at Kanyanya play ground
Otim equalized for Jinja S.S as the second half started meanwhile sharp shooter Muhammed Shaban doubled Onduparaka’s lead in Arua.
Jinja managed managed a third goal with 15 minutes left on the clock- thanks to the effort of marauding right back, Allan Drajuwa.
Within minutes, Wahabu Gaddaffi second half penalty sealed the victory for Onduparaka and a place back to the Premier League since Arua Central days.
Incidentally, at Kanyanya, the game ended 3-2 in favour of Jinja S.S but no body could celebrate yet until the final confirmation from the Buhinga stadium could be got.
Seconds later, Jinja S.S players celebrated wildly after getting the news that Proline had been held to a one all draw by an already relegated team – Kasese New Villa.
The final day results of the regular season left mixed reactions;
“I thank my players, coaches and fans” Diana Hope Nyago, director of Kirinya-Jinja S.S sighed.
Onduparaka head coach, Allan Kabonge bragged; “I am the messiah of Uganda’s football” while Proline Head coach tagged the scenario as ‘Unbelievable’.
On the same day, CRO and Lira United were confirmed as relegated to the Regional League because Baza Holdings won away at Boma Young 1-0.
The full eight clubs relegated to the respective regional leagues are;
Kira Young, Bukedea Town Council, CRO and Lira United (Elgon Group) and Masaka Local Council, Citizen, Kasese New Villa and Wandegeya (Rwenzori group).
Focus now turns to the playoffs to determine the third club to join Onduparaka and Kirinya-Jinja S.S in next seasons Premier League.
Proline plays Ndejje University while Sporting United will take on Masavu in the semi finals to determine the two clubs that will meet in a final.
The playoff dates and venue is yet to be confirmed by FUFA Competition department.
