The Kopu P'Ubimu inter-county football tournament continued over the weekend with a crushing blow for Okoro County, as their 2-0 defeat to Padyere County marked the end of their campaign in this year’s edition. The match, held at Kaya Primary School in Paidha, Zombo District, saw Okoro County finish the tournament without a single goal or point.
Padyere’s first strike came in the 38th minute, courtesy of Oscar Ngirinege, who slotted home a well-placed volley after outpacing the Okoro defense. Epiphany Opakrwoth sealed the victory with a 65th-minute goal, ensuring Padyere’s dominance and sending Okoro County out of the tournament.
Despite the disappointing performance from Okoro, participation in the 7th edition of the MTN Kopu P'Ubimu tournament will still earn them official recognition. However, with zero goals scored and seven conceded over four matches, it’s a campaign they'd likely want to forget.
Padyere County’s head coach, Gilbert Jakuma, reflected on the result, saying, "We are focused on winning the 7th edition of the MTN Kopu P'Ubimu Cup final. My team has built a strong foundation, and we're targeting a win come October 19th."
Padyere County will now turn their attention to Jonam County, who sit level on points with Padyere at 7 but trail on goal difference. The two sides will face off at Luo Ground, Nebbi Municipality, on October 16, 2024, in a match that will determine the final positioning before the highly anticipated finale on October 19th.
Bicycle Races Steal the Show in Okoro County
In addition to the football action, the 3rd edition of the MTN Kopu P'Ubimu bicycle races took place over the weekend in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District. In the men’s 10-kilometer race, Isaac Ocopi claimed first place, earning a prize of UGX 500,000. David Masendi secured second place with UGX 200,000, while Sunday Pirwoth rounded out the top three with UGX 100,000.
On the women’s side, Oliver Awekonimungu dominated the 10-kilometer race to win UGX 500,000. Charity Kwiocwiny came in second, taking home UGX 200,000, and Grace Giramia finished third, earning UGX 100,000.
Godwin Taban, MTN’s Territory Sales Manager, praised the participants for their commitment and urged them to invest their prize money wisely. “We appreciate your efforts and your engagement with MTN. Participating in these activities alongside the kingdom speaks volumes about our brand and its impact,” Taban said.
As the MTN Kopu P'Ubimu competition builds towards its conclusion, the kingdom eagerly anticipates the 14th coronation anniversary of His Majesty Phillips Olarker Rauni III on October 26, 2024. Ker Alur Executive Director, Vincent Ochaya, emphasized the cultural significance of the event, noting, “The King will deliver important messages about culture and development. All sporting activities will culminate on October 19 with the final match, just days before the coronation celebrations at Bar Omach.”
Kopu P'Ubimu 2024 Standings
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | +/- | PTS |
| 1 | Padyere | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 7 |
| 2 | Jonam | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 7 |
| 3 | Okoro | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 7 | -7 | 0 |
Next Match:
Padyere vs Jonam – October 16, 2024 – Luo Ground, Nebbi Municipality
