By Richard Onapatum
Kaukura Football Club, which had traveled from Pallisa District, overcame Usuk FC, the 2024 Alupo Cup winners, 2-1 during a tightly contested friendly match at their home ground, Usuk Boys Playground, in Katakwi District on the sunny evening of Saturday, February 17, 2024.
The reigning Alupo Cup 2024 champions conceded two goals, a move that shocked the home fans, leaving them with crossed arms and tight lips.
Okello John scored the opener with a well-connected header in the 22nd minute for Kaukura FC after a great interplay that involved precise passing from a well-composed team.
The second goal came as a thunderous shot in the 78th minute from Omocho Pogba, off a perfectly weighted cross from the left flank after Usuk FC captain Torres had vacated his position in defense.
Usuk FC substitutes Otoke Raphael and Oyuu Joel looked dangerous on the break but were kept in check by the Kaukura FC defenders, who displayed vast experience.
Both teams made several changes as the game progressed to test different players and combinations, with Usuk FC piling pressure in the last 10 minutes until a bad tackle in the box earned them a penalty in the 90th minute.
The penalty was well converted by Okure John, earning the home side a consolation goal that brought a smile to the faces of the large Usuk FC home crowd that had turned up to cheer for their team.
The preparatory game is one of the few encounters slated for Usuk FC, a team aiming to register for competitive football.
The game was facilitated by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who contributed 800,000 shillings for meals for both teams. She also provided transport refunds of 600,000 shillings for Kaukura FC and 500,000 shillings for Usuk FC.
After the match, the guest of honor, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Karenga District, Filbert Ocailap, who represented Her Excellency the Vice President Jessica Alupo, thanked both teams for displaying an entertaining match.
He also used the opportunity to hand over equipment to boost the club’s performance, including two pairs of playing jerseys, corner flag poles, goal post nets, and a contribution of 500,000 shillings to Usuk Football Club.
“We shall support talent, we shall support Usuk FC; that is what the vice president has instructed me to convey to you,” said Ocailap.
Katakwi District Youth Councillor Steven Otukei, who organized the event, appealed to the youth to vote for the vice president in the upcoming 2026 elections.
“You can see for yourselves; come 2026, don’t waste your vote elsewhere. You requested for such friendly games and support, and here you are,” Otukei appealed.
Joseph Ongimu, the head coach of Usuk FC, who spoke after the match, said they played a pressing game and tried to create chances.
“I am pleased with our approach to the game. We could have done better if we had converted the chances created in this match,” Ongimu remarked.
Kaukura FC coach Angura Silver Arteta was delighted by the challenge presented by the Usuk FC team.
“They (Usuk FC) were a good team physically. They pushed us as the game progressed. This is a good challenge,” Silver said.
This build-up was of equal significance to the two sides as they prepare for the competitive 2023-2024 football season.
