Blacks Power captain Isaac Okello has vowed to correct his team’s mistakes and bounce back against Mbarara City FC after Thursday’s 4-0 defeat to defending Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC.
The Lira-based side suffered their second consecutive loss at Hoima City Stadium, conceding three goals before half-time. Okello admitted that costly errors let them down but insisted they still have a chance to turn things around.
“We lost this game because we made some small errors that cost us, but we still have more chances ahead against Mbarara City FC. We are going to go back and rectify them and make sure we don’t repeat them,” Okello said.
The Simon Peter Mugerwa-coached Blacks Power enjoyed a perfect start to life back in the top flight, winning their opening three matches against Ntugasaze FC, Police FC and Maroons FC.
They began with 1-0 victories over Ntugasaze and Police before beating Maroons 2-1 away from home, briefly joining the early title contenders.
However, their run ended with a 2-1 defeat to BUL FC before Vipers handed them a heavier setback.
At Hoima City Stadium on Thursday, October 8, Gusto Mulongo opened the scoring for Vipers in the 15th minute. Arafat Usama and Milton Karisa added goals before the break, leaving Blacks Power with a mountain to climb.
Mulongo completed his brace in the second half as Vipers secured their second consecutive league victory, recovering from an earlier league defeat and their CAF Champions League exit.
Blacks Power have now lost two matches in a row after their encouraging start. They sit fourth with nine points from five games, having scored five goals and conceded seven.
Coach Simon Peter Mugerwa’s side must also contend with playing their home matches away from Lira after Ebenezer University Ground failed to meet FUFA’s club licensing requirements. The team has consequently been hosting games at Hoima City Stadium, about 240 kilometres away.
With Mbarara City next, Okello wants his teammates to learn from the Vipers defeat and avoid repeating the mistakes that cost them dearly.
After three successive victories followed by two losses, Blacks Power will be eager to rediscover their early-season form and get their campaign back on track.