By Mike Rwothomio and Lee Ofoymungu

Under a scorching afternoon sun at Luo Grounds, West Nile Regional League champions Pakwach Young Stars SC powered their way into the FUFA Big League, defeating Pajule Lions FC on 2-1 aggregate in a hard-fought two-legged playoff.

The return leg on Saturday, June 20, saw Pakwach Young Stars produce a commanding 2-0 victory to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.

The victory sends the red-and-white outfit into the second-tier national league alongside fellow West Nile sides Paidha Black Angels SC, Onduparaka FC, and Calvary FC.

Pakwach dominated large portions of the contest, with coach Samson Ceasor Okhuti barking instructions from the touchline throughout.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the first half through star striker Jalal Adnan, injecting belief into the home crowd.

The decisive moment came in the 55th minute when defender Victor Okumu rose highest to power home a thumping header from a beautifully curled corner kick, making it 2-0 on the day and 2-1 on aggregate.

As the tempo rose, Okhuti made a key tactical substitution, introducing midfielder Jakisa Godwin in place of the tiring Chris Odongo aka Kante. 

The change helped anchor the midfield and maintain control.

Pakwach’s back four, featuring Denis Owacgiu (Orwaka) on the right, Alex Oyirwoth on the left, and central pairing Victor Okumu and Douglas Oyirwoth, stood firm, neutralizing Pajule Lions’ attacking threats for most of the encounter.

Late substitute Kiza Alfred aka Neyma came close to adding a third but was unable to convert in the dying minutes.

At the final whistle, coach Okhuti was full of praise for his squad.

“This was an intense battle,” he said. “I credit the support, passion, and efforts of my technical team, players, and fans. This is my first time taking a side to the FUFA Big League, and it feels special after years with school teams.

Pajule Lions’ head of technical team Coach Dickson, accepted the result but expressed frustration with the officiating, particularly pinpointing a free-kick decision that led to Pakwach’s opening goal, which he described as unfair.

Pakwach Young Stars topped the West Nile Regional League with an impressive campaign, losing just once away from home all season.

Their promotion fills the gap left by Nebbi Central FC, who were relegated from the Big League after a 1-0 defeat to Paidha Black Angels two weeks ago at the same venue.

The tense, high-stakes derby was handled by a young team of match officials who delivered a balanced performance in front of thousands of passionate fans, allowing fair play to take centre stage.

West Nile football will now have four representatives flying the regional flag in the 2026/27 FUFA Big League season.

Pakwach Young Stars Coach Samson Ceasor Okhuti

Coach Dickson, Head of Pajule lion's FC Technical team

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for Africa news stories and updates