Arua Hill SC has clinched promotion to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League for the first time in history following their victory over Paidha Black Angels at the Barifa Stadium on Sunday.
Arua Hill had their destiny in their own ands ahead of the game as they held a three-point lead at the top of the FUFA Big League Elgon group, and they made short work of their visitors with a 4-0 victory.
Goals from Gaddafi Gadinho, Caesar Okhuti, and Ronald Kawawa’s double, helped the Leopards seal their place in the 2021/22 UPL season on the final day of the season, at their sixth time of asking.
Arua Hill’s promotion celebration party was paused on Wednesday, following a goalless draw to Gadaffi FC, who will now seek for promotion via promotion play-offs after they were defeated by Calvary FC 3-2.
But on Sunday, the Leopards threw all their energy towards confirming promotion. Gadinho latched onto Rashid Yakin’s cross to strike from close range after only seven minutes.
Ceaser Okhuti was then denied his fifth goal of the season three minutes later, his tap in off Dan Birikwalira’s cross was cancelled by the assistant referee’s flag for offside.
At the hour mark, Rashid Kawawa calmly converted Baden Mujahid’s cut back to double Arua’s lead with his first goal since scoring against Paidha in April.
Five minutes later, there was no denying Okhuti his fifth goal of the season as he struck the hosts’ third goal of the game and all but seal their fate.
Kawawa put the icing on the cake with his second goal of the game, and third for the season after 58 minutes.
The final whistle sparked jubilation for Hussein Mbalangu and his players who achieved the dream of playing in the top flight next season without their fans who were not allowed to access the stadium.
The Leopards who were bought at the start of the season by a consortium led by architect Joel A’ita Jaffer and changed its name from Doves All Stars to Arua Hill SC achieved their objective of gaining promotion to the top flight.
Mbalangu’s side has dominated the second tier, finishing the season unbeaten, earning eight wins and drawing six games. They have also scored an impeccable 24 goals and conceded just seven times.
Gaddafi FC will now seek for promotion via the play-offs. They finish second, and will be joined by Blacks Power FC who finished third in the Elgon group despite losing to Maroons FC.
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