By Mike Rwothomio and Lee Ofoymungu

Eighth-placed Paidha United SC claimed a vital 2-0 victory against Parombu Mission Stars in a highly physical West Nile Regional League encounter at King's Stadium Cana on Sunday.

The home side, playing in their familiar red-and-black strip, bounced back strongly in front of their passionate fans to collect all three points in what was billed as the Greater Nebbi Derby.

Left-back Stephen Omirambe, also known as Carasco, broke the deadlock in the 31st minute of the first half. He unleashed a low, curling drive into the bottom-left corner, leaving the Parombu goalkeeper with no chance and sending the home crowd into early celebrations.

 It was a moment of real quality in an otherwise tense and combative opening period.

Paidha United had lost the reverse fixture earlier in the season at Parombu Mission Stars' ground, making this home win even sweeter and a perfect response.

The hosts nearly doubled their lead before halftime when left winger David Oweci squandered a glorious opportunity, firing a tame shot straight into the arms of the Parombu goalkeeper.

Despite the miss, Paidha United showed resilience and hunger, especially after a run of dismal results in their previous three outings. The team looked sharper and more determined in the opening half.

Edmond Otingcwinyu, introduced as a winger, sealed the victory in the second half with a thunderous right-footed ground-level strike that flew past the Parombu shot-stopper.

The goal so powerful, glorious, was a real crowd-pleaser, sparking wild celebrations among spectators and officials alike.

Parombu Mission Stars, who sit comfortably in third place on the league table, pressed hard , particularly in the latter stages of the second half , but failed to convert more than five clear chances. 

Paidha United goalkeeper Mungacel produced a crucial save to deny a headed effort, while the visitors also wasted a dangerous free-kick opportunity just outside the box after defender Malachi fouled striker Aguero.

The match was officiated by a young, talented crew led by center referee Godfred Omirambe, assisted by Kevin Wanok and Garvin Rwothungeyu, with Lydia Musango as the fourth official.

 Despite the derby’s typical fiery atmosphere, dangerous tackles, and intense physical battles, the referee maintained excellent control, issuing only three yellow cards (two to Parombu players and one to a Paidha United midfielder).

Paidha United’s Public Relations Officer, Lee Ofoymungu, praised the team’s spirit and tactical execution after the final whistle.

“We still remain unbeaten at home throughout the campaign. Our away record hasn’t been great, but we just need one more point from our remaining two matches , against Koboko Rising Stars away and Arua Airfield at home to secure our place in the league next season. Chances are high that we will fulfill that commitment,” Ofoymungu said.

Gasper Onzima, captain of Parombu Mission Stars, acknowledged the difficulty of the fixture:

“The home team was good today. We tried our best, but that’s football.” Onzima said.

With this win, Paidha United will now turn their attention to their next fixture against 11th-placed Arua Airfield, who are currently in the relegation red zone.

The victory provides a timely boost for the Zombo district-based side as they fight to avoid the drop in a tightly contested West Nile Regional League season.

Paidha united SC is searching for a point to remain in the league.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub l