Emmanuel Janan Okech’s second-half finish proved decisive as Blacks Power edged Police FC 1–0 in a tightly contested Uganda Premier League encounter at Hoima Stadium on Wednesday.
The result handed Police their first defeat of the campaign, while Blacks Power collected their 6th point of the season after two matches.
Police, who had opened their campaign with two victories, were made to withstand sustained early pressure from a determined Blacks Power side.
The hosts pressed aggressively from the outset, forcing the visitors’ backline into a largely defensive posture.
Police goalkeeper Shukuru Hadji was instrumental in keeping the scores level, producing an excellent point-blank save in the 31st minute to deny Blacks Power a deserved opener.
The hosts were also forced to reshuffle early, with Nathan Oloro introduced for Andrea Ogwal in the ninth minute.
Oscar Otim then became the second Blacks Power player to leave the pitch prematurely, going off injured in the 37th minute and being replaced by Elias Paul Emokori Oonyu.
After a goalless first half, Blacks Power finally broke the deadlock just five minutes after the restart.
Okech kept his composure inside the decisive moment, calmly slotting the ball beyond Hadji to put the hosts 1–0 ahead.
Police responded with a series of substitutions as they sought to inject fresh energy into the midfield and find a route back into the contest.
The Cops applied late pressure, but Blacks Power defended resolutely to preserve their narrow advantage and claim a valuable home victory.
The defeat leaves Police sixth, while Blacks Power climb to third with six points from their opening two matches.
