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Blacks Power player suffers compound fracture in edgy win over URA

Vincent Onyebuchi, Brian Umony, Joshua ‘Letti’ Lubwama and Benjamin Nyakoojo are the few names you would think about in the Uganda Premier League when one talks about a fracture.

However, on Saturday evening, one of Blacks Power Football Club’s vice captains, Ivan Okello, was rushed to hospital with a suspected compound fracture after a serious leg injury overshadowed his side’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over URA FC at BCS Sports Complex Stadium in Bukedea.

Okello was left in agony following a challenge from URA midfielder Norman Namanya, who was shown a red card for the tackle. An ambulance was called onto the pitch as medical teams from both sides rushed to attend to the injured forward.

The incident brought the match to a standstill, with players and teammates visibly concerned about the severity of the injury. Emotions ran high as a woman from the Blacks Power camp entered the pitch in tears while Okello received treatment.

After a lengthy stoppage and discussions among the match officials, play resumed, with Blacks Power introducing Misaki Opio for the injured Okello.

The injury cast a shadow over what had otherwise been a welcome return to Bukedea for Blacks Power, who held on to claim their fourth win in seven league matches.

The victory lifted them to fifth place on 12 points, while URA remained in the relegation zone in 15th position with just four points.

Blacks Power make winning return to Bukedea

Blacks Power had plenty to celebrate before the late drama, as they marked their first home appearance in Bukedea this season with three valuable points.

The club, formerly known as Bukedea Town Council FC, was officially rebranded as Blacks Power FC on September 15, 2020, after receiving approval from the FUFA Executive Committee.

On Saturday, they returned to BCS Sports Complex Stadium, where they will share a home with Kataka FC, after being asked by the National Council of Sports (NCS), through the management of Hoima City Stadium, to find an alternative venue.

Wearing red shirts and shorts, the hosts recovered from an early setback to beat URA, who turned out in an all-white kit.

Maduka and Okech turn the game around

URA struck first through Dissan Galiwango, who scored in the third minute to give the visitors an early lead.

Blacks Power looked for an immediate response, but Michael Siwu failed to make the most of a free kick near the penalty area in the fifth minute, sending his effort wide.

URA threatened to extend their advantage when Laban Tibita forced a save from Blacks Power goalkeeper Emmanuel Odongo. The resulting corner was cleared as the hosts escaped further damage.

Andrea Ogwal then tried his luck from outside the box in the 20th minute, but his effort missed the target.

Blacks Power eventually found their breakthrough two minutes later. Siwu delivered a well-taken free kick, and Innocent Maduka rose to head home the equaliser in the 22nd minute.

The game became increasingly physical, with URA’s John Innocent Kisolo booked in the 27th minute.

Kisolo had a chance to restore URA’s lead in the 40th minute after winning a free kick near the box, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Joshua Lubwama Leti was also booked in the 45th minute as the visitors struggled to contain the hosts.

Blacks Power made the most of two minutes of added time before the break, with Emmanuel Janan Okech firing home in the 45th minute plus two to complete the turnaround.

The hosts went into half-time leading 2-1 after a spirited response to Galiwango’s early goal.

Otim gives hosts breathing room

URA coach made three changes at the start of the second half in search of a way back into the game.

Abraham Tusubira replaced Tibita, Nico Kabonge came on for Kisolo, while Ronald Otti took over from Leti.

But Blacks Power struck again five minutes after the restart, with Oscar Otim scoring in the 50th minute to extend the lead to 3-1.

The hosts made a double substitution in the 61st minute, bringing on Paul Onyu for Otim and Ivan Okello for Ogwal.

URA responded almost immediately. Galiwango found the net again in the 62nd minute to complete his brace and cut the deficit to 3-2.

His second goal set up a tense finish, with the visitors pushing for an equaliser while Blacks Power fought to protect their advantage.

URA later withdrew Mikidad and Okutu for Aliro and Mugulusi, while Blacks Power brought on Joseph Enyabu for Michael Siwu.

The match was briefly interrupted after URA’s technical bench complained that the home side had hidden the match balls, adding to the tension on the touchline.

Okello injury brings game to a halt

The closing stages took a worrying turn when Okello suffered a serious leg injury following a challenge from Namanya.

The URA midfielder was sent off, prompting protests from the visitors’ technical bench.

An ambulance entered the pitch as medical personnel from both teams attended to Okello. The incident caused a lengthy stoppage, with referees and match officials holding discussions before allowing play to resume.

Okello was eventually taken to hospital in an ambulance with a suspected broken leg. The full extent of his injury was yet to be confirmed.

Blacks Power introduced Opio Misaki for the injured forward and returned their attention to protecting the lead.

URA nearly found a late equaliser in the 84th minute when Kabonge connected with a header, only for the effort to be cleared off the goal line.

With 12 minutes added at the end of normal time, Blacks Power had to withstand further pressure to preserve their advantage.

Maduka and Galiwango were both booked in the sixth minute of added time as tempers remained high.

The final whistle confirmed a 3-2 victory for Blacks Power, but URA’s technical bench protested, arguing that the referee had not allowed the full 12 minutes of added time to elapse.

Blacks Power regain momentum

The result was an important response from Blacks Power, who had lost their previous three matches against BUL FC, Vipers SC and Mbarara City FC.

Their fourth win in seven league outings moved them to fifth place with 12 points, offering a boost as the season progresses.

However, the points came at a cost, with the injury to Okello taking the shine off their return to Bukedea.

Blacks Power will travel to Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku to face SC Villa on October 27, while URA will visit UPDF FC at Hamz Stadium on the same day, hoping to turn their fortunes around.

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