By Mike Rwothomio and Lee Ofoymungu
Nebbi Central FC secured a 2-1 victory against Paidha United SC on Sunday afternoon at Luo Grounds in a hotly contested West Nile Regional League match.
Despite the home team’s win, the game was marred by allegations of biased officiating, with visiting fans and officials voicing frustrations over the decisions made by the match officials.
The action began immediately, with Nebbi Central’s David Ocircan, also known as Ganacho, launching a powerful volley past Paidha United’s goalkeeper Herbert Ofoyrwoth in the first minute, electrifying the crowd.
By halftime, Nebbi Central held a 1-0 lead, despite Paidha United showing dominance in midfield and creating multiple attacking opportunities that Nebbi Central’s defence worked hard to thwart.
Shortly into the second half, Ocircan struck again, doubling Nebbi’s lead with another long-range effort that left Paidha’s keeper out of position.
Paidha United’s hopes were briefly reignited when winger Ronald Ogencan scored, but the goal was controversially ruled offside. This decision, along with other calls during the match, led to heated reactions from Paidha fans and officials, who accused the referees of partiality.
Tensions escalated as Paidha United’s media team member was ejected by the referee, prompting a brief suspension of the game to restore order. Security personnel intervened to prevent further disruptions and escorted the officials off the pitch at full-time.
Nebbi Central entered this fixture seeking redemption after last week’s 1-0 defeat to Zombo’s Padea Rising Stars. Historically, Nebbi Central has won three of the last five meetings with Paidha United, while Paidha United has won once and drawn once.
Other West Nile Regional League Results:
- Arua City 1-2 Alpha Rising Stars
- Nile Hippos 1-0 Padea Rising Stars
- Araka FC 0-0 Adjumani TC
- Adruvu FC 0-1 Ottoman FC
- Kuluva Rainbow 2-1 Pakwach Young Stars
- Arua Airfield 1-0 Parombo Mission Stars
- Barakala City 0-3 Total FC
- Koboko Rising Stars 1-0 Tipsha
The match highlighted ongoing issues in regional league officiating, with supporters calling on the league authorities to ensure fairness by avoiding the assignment of local referees to officiate games involving home teams.
