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Summary:
- Uganda Police FC secures promotion to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League after defeating Onduparaka 2-1 with two games left in the BetPawa Big League season. Denis Kalanzi’s brilliance led the way.
KAMPALA, (Examiner) – Uganda Police Football Club has clinched promotion back to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League for the upcoming season, with two matches still to spare in the 2023/24 BetPawa Big League campaign.
Their promotion was sealed after a hard-fought victory against visiting team Onduparaka, with a final score of 2-1 in favor of The Cops on match-day 28. This win secured them 50 points, guaranteeing them a spot among the top three teams.
In a thrilling encounter at the Kavumba Recreation Centre, Denis Kalanzi, the team’s skilled playmaker, equalized the early goal scored by Jafer Kerepi for the Caterpillars with a remarkable half-volley. Kalanzi then set up Steven Kabuye for the winning goal, delighting the spectators with their stylish performance.
Despite enduring a challenging spell in the lower tier of Ugandan football since their relegation two years ago, the 2005 league champions and 2006 CECAFA club champions have bounced back under the leadership of Simon Peter Mugerwa, alongside Robert Ssekweyama, Nestroy Kizito, and Ben Lwanga Kalama. Their unbeaten home record has been a testament to their determination.
Kerepi took advantage of a defensive lapse to score within two minutes, but Police responded strongly just before halftime when Reagan Male assisted Kalanzi in the box, resulting in a stunning equalizer. Shortly after the restart, Male’s precise cross found Kalanzi again, who set up Kabuye for the decisive goal.
Police’s remaining fixtures include a match against Kigezi Homeboys on May 26th and a season finale against Kataka on June 2nd. While promotion is secured, the focus now shifts to whether they can clinch the trophy.
The race for the remaining promotion spots involves Kataka, rivals Mbale Heroes, and second-placed Lugazi FC, with Onduparaka still having an outside chance if the trio falter in their final games.
In other news, Kyetume joins Ndejje University, Jinja North United, and Young Elephants in confirmed relegation, following their defeat to Mbale Heroes, leaving them trailing Calvary by five points with one game left, making it impossible for them to avoid the drop regardless of the outcome in their final fixture.
Matchday 28 results:
- Lugazi 4-1 Young Elephants
- Mbale Heroes 1-0 Kyetume
- Booma 1-0 Kataka
- Kaaro Karungi 5-1 Jinja North United
- Calvary 0-0 Kiyinda Boys
- Police 2-1 Onduparaka