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But, in the end, to no one's surprise, the eight Leopards suffered a 7-1 thrashing against the much superior Royals.
In a sad turn of events, strugglers Arua Hill SC presented eight players for their Uganda Premier League game against Kitara FC at the Masindi Playgrounds on Thursday.
It was a sombre mood in the away end, with the already wounded team daring to go against the title challengers.
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Braving the long distance, financial woes, uncertainty in club ownership, and numerical disadvantage on an unforgiving territory, the eight Arua Hill paladins braced the warzone.
Captained by Gadafi Wahab, who confirmed his departure at the end of the first round, the eight warriors fought with whatever they had in them.
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16:08 - 28.12.2023
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE Arua Hill turn up with eight players, schooled by Kitara
The game not only exposed Arua Hill's glaring struggles but also the amateur state with which the Uganda Premier League and football, as a whole in the country, is run.
But, in the end, to no one's surprise, the eight Leopards suffered a 7-1 thrashing against the much superior Royals.
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In the midst of the ongoing struggles and the day's heinous events, netizens were instant in expressing their honest feelings on the situation.
"They deserve medals for being there for their club. Gadafi Wahab, you're my captain of the year," an X user posted.
"It's so unfortunate seeing a team unable to field in a complete squad on game day! Times are tough for Arua Hill," another added.
"Sad indeed. Is it a financial or governance issue? Would a financial injection by FUFA into the club solve the problems that Arua Hill is facing?" another asked.
While some expressed pity for the Leopards, others quickly celebrated their downfall.
"I love to see Arua Hill ho down just as fast as it came, Onduparaka will rise again," a fan of the latter tweeted.
"I am disappointed by this team, which promised us a lot," one posted.
"Aita Joel (former Arua Hill Chairman) should explain," a fan demanded.
Meanwhile, Arua Hill stayed at the bottom of the log with just five points in 13 matches.
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10:04 - 28.12.2023
WOMEN FOOTBALL Official: Charles Ayiekoh appointed Kampala Queens head coach, Tonny Mawejje learns fate
Mawejje is the only surviving member of the previous technical staff which was sacked after just six months.
The Eight Arua Hill Players that played the game
Hadgi Sukuru (GK), Wahab Gadafi (C), Reagan Mpande, Musa Ssali, Safi Mansoor, Wycliff Ahumuza, Noah Sabir, Nelson Mandela
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