Paidha Black Angels 2-1 Gaddafi FC
Played over Two Days – A Tale of Controversy and Drama in Zombo
Match Day 20 was a dramatic chapter in the season, spanning two days and riddled with controversy. Gaddafi FC arrived in Nebbi Town on Friday, April 11th, where the final training session was held at Nebbi United Playground. The team then set off for Paidha in Zombo District—less than an hour’s drive southwest of Nebbi—for their crucial away fixture against Paidha Black Angels.
Upon arrival at a spirited Bar Okoro Stadium in time for the scheduled 4:00 PM kickoff, the starting XI featured Mbula leading the line, supported by Lubowa, Sseninde, and Kakaire. Kiggundu and Amayo formed the midfield pivot, while Namwanja, Savio, Enzama, and Male comprised the backline, with Ssekeba in goal.
As the teams warmed up, light rain began to fall, intensifying as the players marched onto the pitch. Despite the worsening conditions, the match commenced. Paidha employed a long-ball strategy to pin Gaddafi in their own half. The rain rendered the pitch increasingly unplayable, severely hindering ball movement.
In the 9th minute, a seemingly harmless free kick turned disastrous for Gaddafi. Goalkeeper Ssekeba misjudged the slick ball, allowing it to slip through his hands and into the net, gifting Paidha the lead. Gaddafi’s technical team appealed for a stoppage, citing dangerous and unplayable conditions. Match officials agreed, suspending the match.
Rain continued until 5:50 PM, as ground staff and home fans made unsuccessful efforts to drain the pitch. Later that evening, FUFA’s Competitions Department issued an official directive to resume the match on Monday, April 14th at 10:00 AM, starting from the 10th minute.
Day Two: Monday Morning Resumption
The match resumed under much better conditions. The intensity was balanced, with both sides creating chances. Gaddafi found the equalizer when Savio rose highest to head in a well-delivered corner from Kakaire, sparking jubilant celebrations in front of the home crowd. The first half ended 1-1, with Gaddafi motivated to capitalize on slip-ups by the top two sides the previous day.
In the second half, Gaddafi remained assertive, although yellow cards were shown to Namwanja and Sseninde under questionable circumstances. Tensions escalated as Paidha fans began throwing projectiles at goalkeeper Ssekeba, forcing a temporary halt to play.
On the hour mark, Head Coach made a triple substitution: Batiibwe replaced Kiggundu, Ssemakula came on for Sseninde, and Ssekyewa replaced Lubowa—prompting a tactical reshuffle with Male shifting to right wing.
Controversy struck again when Batiibwe was fouled, earning Gaddafi a free kick. However, in a shocking twist, the referee inexplicably issued Batiibwe a straight red card, reducing Gaddafi to 10 men.
Despite being a man down, Gaddafi pushed on. Ssekyewa’s energy down the wing earned set pieces and kept the hosts on edge. However, in the 86th minute, Paidha won a corner, and substitute Muna rose to head home what proved to be the match-winner.
Final Result: Paidha 2-1 Gaddafi FC
The defeat leaves Gaddafi FC in 3rd place on the table—three points behind leaders, two behind 2nd-placed Buhimba Saints, and two ahead of 4th-placed Paidha.
Next Fixture:
Gaddafi FC vs Buhimba Saints
Venue: Works Playground, Entebbe
Date: Sunday, April 20th 2025