Soltilo Bright Stars’ tenure in Uganda’s elite football division has reached a bitter conclusion after a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of UPDF FC on Monday afternoon at Bombo Barracks Ground.
The decisive moment came just seconds after kickoff when forward Joseph Janjali, facing his former employers, latched onto a pinpoint pass from Ochen Emmanuel and coolly slotted past the Bright Stars custodian to hand UPDF an early lead that would ultimately settle the contest.
Bright Stars’ hopes of a late-season escape were officially dashed after relegation rivals Mbarara City secured a crucial 1-0 triumph over Wakiso Giants in a simultaneous fixture at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.
That result widened the gap to an insurmountable 10 points with only three matches left, confirming Bright Stars’ drop to the FUFA Big League.
The visiting team entered the fixture knowing that anything less than maximum points would seal their fate, but their long-standing travel woes told a familiar story.
The defeat extended their dismal away streak to 32 league games without a win, a run stretching back to April 2023 when they last celebrated victory on the road against Onduparaka.
Despite trailing early, Bright Stars pressed for a response. However, UPDF goalkeeper Richard Anyama stood firm, delivering a string of impressive saves to deny attempts from Innocent Kitimbo and Khamis Atari, while a powerful drive from Noordin Bunjo rattled the woodwork.
In the latter stages, Bright Stars’ attacking thrust waned, and they struggled to test the opposition’s backline. Their best look after the break came through captain Nelson Ssenkatuka, who fired wide from a promising position.
UPDF, composed and organized, remained in control and could have added to their tally. Janjali came close from a set-piece, only to be denied by goalkeeper Shamulan Kamya, who also produced a remarkable double save to frustrate both Janjali and Ochen late on.
The three points see UPDF climb to 10th place in the Uganda Premier League standings with 36 points. Bright Stars, meanwhile, sit second from bottom with 16 points and are now condemned to second-tier football next season.
What’s Next?
On May 10, UPDF will travel east to face the already-relegated Mbale Heroes at Mbale Municipal Stadium, while Soltilo Bright Stars will return home to host NEC FC at the Kavumba Recreation Ground in a now-symbolic fixture.
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