Bernard Ndifuna’s lone first half strike helped in-form Onduparaka condemn stuttering Lugazi to defeat on Sunday on a day Blacks Power disarmed and detained FUFA Big League leaders Police in Lira with a similar score.
Onduparaka’s five wins on the bounce is a confidence boost at final bend of the season and the Caterpillars should be dreaming of life back in the big business they departed from two seasons ago.
With 38 points, fifth-placed Onduparaka are just two points off their latest victims Lugazi in third place. Sugar millers Lugazi not only missed the chance to close in on leaders Police but also find themselves with two much traffic in their rearview mirror.
The FUFA Big League has in recent weeks looked like a Police parade to claim promotion back to the StarTimes Premier League but a home draw to Mbale Heroes and defeat on the road in Lira has changed the script.
With 44 points from 22 games, the visit of Kyetume on May 5 is suddenly a game Police cannot take for granted as only four points separate the top four teams battling for the three automatic promotional places.
Blacks Power, who cuffed the Cops through Dante Otim’s first-half strike, have also forced themselves into the promotion talks with 37 points, three off Lugazi in third place – albeit with the Lira side having played a game more.
Lugazi have a game in hand on their May 4 visitors Kataka and will want to do the business and reclaim the second place when they meet.
But Lugazi will be aware that they have only managed one win – a 2-1 against Kiyinda Boys – in their last five fixtures while Mbale-based Kataka are unbeaten in five and will arrive in Lugazi sour over their 1-all home draw with Kaaro Karungi on Sunday.
