In an embarrassing scenario in the Uganda Premier League (UPL), Arua Hill SC traveled to Masindi and fielded only eight players for their clash against Kitara FC on Thursday. The former lost 7-1 as the home side capitalized on their numerical advantage.
Hadgi Sukuru, Wahab Gaddafi, Reagan Mpande, Musa Ssali, Safi Mansoor, Wycliff Ahumuza, Noah Sabir and Nelson Mandela were the only players available for Arua Hill who have been reportedly hit by financial and administrative challenges that have affected the team’s performance.
For the home side, George Ssenkaaba helped himself to a brace while Denis Omedi, Jude Ssemugabi, Kipper Luwalo, Frank Tumwesigye and Kabon Living scored the other goals. Gaddafi Wahab netted the visitors’ consolation.
Kitara’s eighth win in 13 matches moves them one place up to second on 26 points, six behind leaders BUL and two ahead of now third placed Vipers, who have played a match fewer.
Arua Hill, who have won just once in 13 attempts this season, remain bottom of the 16-team table with only five points.
It was a painfully tough outing for Arua Hill, who showed up with only eight players and without their head coach Livingstone Mbabazi.
That they held on for the first 15 minutes without conceding is a miracle in itself, but once the taps opened, there was no stopping.
Ssenkaaba opened the scoring in the 16th minute, the forward completing his brace on 36 minutes.
Omedi got to the scoresheet, too, on 45 minutes to take Kitara into the half time break 3-0 up.
The hosts picked from where they left in the first half, Ssemugabi, Luwalo, Tumwesigye and Kabon all getting onto the scorecard. Wahab’s consolation for Arua Hill was for the effort to turn up.
UPL Thursday Results
Kitara 7-1 Arua Hill
UPDF 1-2 KCCA
BUL 1-0 Busoga
