Lira University Strikes Back: A 2-0 Victory Over Mentor SS in a Thrilling Friendly

LIRA CITY, April 4, 2025 – In a thrilling friendly match that unfolded at the Lira University campus in Barapwo, Lira University emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against Mentor SS. This match came on the heels of a tumultuous week for Lira University, following a staggering 7-0 defeat of their girls' team by St. Mary Magdalene, a school affiliated with Mentor Schools.

The game kicked off with palpable tension as Lira University sought to redeem themselves. Just ten minutes into the match, Emmanuel Ario found the back of the net from the penalty spot, giving Lira University an early lead that energized the home crowd. The excitement continued to build as Lira City Council FC forward Emmanuel Okeng, a former student of Mentor SS, doubled the lead with a well-placed shot nine minutes before halftime. 

Lira University Starting XI 

Mentor Secondary School Starting XI 

What made this match particularly intriguing was Lira University’s decision to enlist the services of Abraham Ogwang, a player from UTC Lira and a former student of Mentor SS, who sported the number 18 jersey customized as "Erina." This decision raised eyebrows among fans, leading to questions about whether a university with a large student body could not field a full team without bringing in outside players.

Despite their best efforts, Mentor SS struggled to make an impact on the scoreboard. Head Coach Ronald Okello made several substitutions in the second half, hoping to find the right combination to break through Lira University's defense. However, Mentor SS's attempts for a consolation goal proved fruitless, with their key players notably absent, including first-choice goalkeeper Samuel Ayieko.

In the post-match interview, Okello expressed his disappointment but also acknowledged the value of the experience. “We primarily used our reserve team to gauge their ability to step up in the absence of senior players,” he explained. “This defeat will help us analyze our weaknesses and correct them before we head into the Lango Zone USSSA ball game 1 competition.”

Looking ahead, the USSSA Zonal level tournament is set to kick off on Monday, April 7, 2025, with the opening games taking place at Ambalal Primary School Playground. Both boys' and girls' categories will be competing, and teams are eager to showcase their skills in this highly anticipated event.

As Lira University celebrates their hard-fought victory, Mentor SS will need to regroup and strategize before facing their next challenge. The rivalry between these teams is heating up, and fans are left wondering how the next chapter will unfold in this gripping saga, probably in a return leg between the two sides.