Onduparaka FC sounded the strongest warning yet to the other Uganda Premier League (UPL) title contenders with a 1-0 win over Sadolin FC on Saturday at the Bugembe Stadium.
Gaddafi Gadhinho’s free-kick in the first half settled a closely fought contest for a win that took Caterpillars to third on the log with 25 points.
Significantly, the results brought Onduparaka almost at par with reigning champions KCCA and within striking distance of second placed SC Villa who are above 30 points mark.
The win extended Onduparaka’s unbeaten run to four matches with the league going to half season.
Tension was palpable in the opening exchanges of a match of great implications with both teams employing a cautious approach.
However, it was Onduparaka who created the first clear chance in the 10th minute when Ceaser Okhuti shot at the edge of the box went straight into the hands of Oringa Francis.
A minute later, Living Kabon failed to connect with Akram Kakembo ’s lobbed ball with the goal mouth cleary in sight.
Caterpillars continued pushing, it was in 23rd minute when Gaddafi Gadhinho opened the scoring for Onduparaka with a wonderful curved free-kick with Oringa Francis well beaten for the only goal.
Fred Kyambadde missed an equalizer after skipping past his marker inside the box, his shot drifted just wide off the left upright.
The second half was a more open affair with Onduparaka turning the heat in the 53rd minute, Ceaser Okhuti found space on top of the box but his fierce shot flashed across the face of the goal.
Sadolin’s response was instant with Ibrahim Ssajabi turning round Sadam Norman and cutting inside only to see his well taken strike going inches wide.
Just when the painters so looked to be holding their fort, Ivan Mbowa who had come in for Livin Kabon at half time, began a one-two with Okhuti but that ended in a well threaded pass to the latter who sent a shot straight to Oringa Francis hands.
But true to reputation, the painters mastermind a fight back that saw them laying siege on Onduparaka in the final twenty minutes.
Onduparaka goalkeeper Anyama Richard kept his team in the match with two fine saves from Achema and Ogik.
Sadolin will remain to rue their wastefulness as they missed several chances in final minutes of the second half.
Line-ups:
Onduparaka XI: Anyama Richard (G),Adriko Gasper,Toha Rashid,Sadam Norman,Akram Kakembo,Rashid Toha,Ivan Mbowa,Living Kabon,Mohammed Bernard,Dickens Okwi,Gadafi Gadinho,Okhuti Siza.
Sadolin FC XI: Oringa Francis, Lukungu Ronard,Faisal Muledhu,Kibige Moses,Ibrahim Sajjabi,Peter Katumba, Allan Oryek, Sijali Jamal, Achema Robert,Ogik Norman,Kyambadde Fred
