Kinga’s Equalizer Denies Akalo Express as LCC FC’s Title Hopes Hang by a Thread

On Sunday, 27th April 2025, Lira City Council FC (LCC FC) saw their hopes of topping the Rhino Group dashed after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Akalo Express in a crucial Northern Regional League clash. The result leaves LCC FC needing a near-perfect run in their remaining fixtures to clinch the group and secure a spot in the league final against the Elephant Group leaders.

Match Highlights

Akalo Express stunned the home crowd early in the game when captain Sostine Okodi unleashed an unexpected long-range strike in the 19th minute. The shot took a fortunate bounce over the LCC FC goalkeeper, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

The second half saw LCC FC push aggressively for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off when Ambrose Awany, affectionately known as Kinga, calmly tapped in a precise low cross delivered by the fleet-footed winger Emmanuel Okeng in the 68th minute. The goal leveled the score, but despite numerous attempts from both sides, neither could find the winning goal.

Standings and What Lies Ahead

Northern Gateway SC continues to lead the Rhino Group with 31 points from 13 games, three points clear of LCC FC, who have played one more game. Akalo Express sits mid-table in 6th place with 15 points in 12 outings.

With this draw, LCC FC’s path to the top has become more complicated. They now rely on Northern Gateway SC dropping at least six points in their remaining fixtures, including the much-anticipated Lira City Derby against LCC FC. LCC FC must win all their remaining matches to keep their title hopes alive.

LCC FC Starting XI 

Akalo Express FC Starting XI 

Akalo Express FC's Pece takes on LCC FC's Emmanuel Okeng

Other League Action

Elsewhere in the Rhino Group, Red Devo FC secured a thrilling 5-3 victory over SC Tawai in Namasale, Amolatar District. Meanwhile, Tigers FC Namasale failed to honor their fixture against Northern Gateway SC, handing the Gladiators a 3-0 walkover and valuable points.

Upcoming Fixtures

The Elephant Group kicks off matchday 17 on Tuesday, 29th April 2025, with the following fixtures:

Super Eagles FC vs Young Elephant FC

Stallone City FC vs Tanzania FC

In the Rhino Group, Tigers FC Namasale will host SC Tawai in Amolatar District on the same day.

Wednesday, 30th April 2025 fixtures include:

Patongo United FC vs Young Elephant Academy FC

Pajule Lions FC vs Credo FC

Kilak YSP FC vs Gulu City Council FC

Kalongo United FC vs Homeland United FC

Relegation Watch

The bottom of the Rhino Group remains precarious with Amati FC and Tigers FC Namasale occupying 8th and 9th places respectively. Sporting Warriors and Bright Star FC Apac have already been demoted after failing to honor three consecutive fixtures in the first round.

Rhino Group Table Standing 

Elephant Group Table Standing 

The Northern Regional League continues to deliver drama as teams jostle for glory and survival in the final stretch of the 2024/25 season.