An exnticing matchup is on the cards tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon as Lugazi FC aims to keep their momentum in their push for promotion when they meet another promotion hopeful Onduparaka at the Green light Stadium in Arua.
The earlier league meeting between these two sides in the BetPawa Big League was nothing short of thrilling, with Lugazi securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Lugazi Stadium in November last year.
Faizo Matovu opened the scoring for Lugazi, giving them an early lead after 18 minutes.
However, Ceaser Okhuti threatened to spoil the party with a late equalizer for Onduparaka in added time.
But Lugazi’s talisman, Sam Ssemugugu emerged the hero, clinching a dramatic stoppage-time winner to seal the victory for the Leaders.
As both teams eye promotion to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, Lugazi currently sits third on the standings with 40 points, trailing leaders Police FC by four points.
The club is riding a wave of confidence, boasting an impressive 15-game unbeaten streak, including seven wins and eight draws.
Under the interim leadership of Coach Gerald Efit, Lugazi FC has shown resilience and determination, recently securing a crucial victory over Kiyinda Boys.
On the other hand, Onduparaka FC finds themselves in fifth place, collecting 35 points from 22 matches.
The Arua-based team has enjoyed a resurgence in form, winning four of their last five matches, breathing new life into their promotion aspirations.
Onduparaka boasts the most potent forward line in the division, having scored 30 goals, while Lugazi has the most sturdy backline, conceding only 14 goals from 22 games.
Both teams are coming off narrow 2-1 victories in their previous matches, setting the stage for an enthralling showdown between two ambitious sides hungry for success.
Before the game, the home side Onduparaka has organised an exhibition match between their fans and the Arua media team to commemorate and remember the life of their outstanding fun Papa Samua, with kick off of that game coming at 1:00 PM.
Team news:
Interim head coach Gerald Efit has provided an injury update, ahead of Lugazi FC’s BetPawa Big League clash with Onduparaka FC at the Green Light Stadium in Arua.
Luckily enough for Efit, none of the players who were involved in the game against Kiyinda are now doubts for our clash with the Caterpillars, who are only five points behind in fifth.
Captain Savio Kabugo is among the major doubts for the game, with the defender who scored a famous equaliser against Mbale Heroes and was on the bench for our trip to Kyetume will miss the trip to Arua.
Kabugo is carrying a deep cut to his sheen, which is expected to rule him out for at least another week before he returns to team training.
Andrew Odongo remains among the long-term absentees, as he continues his rehabilitation after suffering a knee injury that affected his cartilage
Goalkeeper Abraham Opio is the other long-term presence on the Leaders’ injury list, with the shot stopper ruled out for several months with an anterior cruciate ligament.