Lira City will come to a standstill this Sunday when Northern Gateway SC and Saviors FC lock horns in a much-anticipated city derby at UTC Playground, with both sides desperate to register their first victory of the 2025/26 Northern Regional League season. Kick-off is set for 3:00 PM.
For Northern Gateway SC, popularly known as The Gladiators, the derby arrives at a critical moment. The hosts sit 12th on the league table with three points from four outings, a return that has fallen short of preseason expectations. Gateway have found the back of the net four times but defensive lapses have seen them concede five goals, leaving them with a goal difference of minus one. Still, a home fixture against familiar rivals presents the perfect opportunity to ignite their campaign.
Saviors FC travel across the city under even greater pressure. Rooted to the bottom of the standings, Saviors have managed just one point from six matches, earned in a 1–1 draw against Akalo Express in their most recent fixture. Five defeats, only four goals scored and 11 conceded underline a difficult start to the season, with a worrying goal difference of minus seven. The derby, however, offers a chance for redemption and a potential turning point.
Beyond local bragging rights, Sunday’s clash carries wider implications. With only the Northern Regional League champions earning a place in the FUFA Big League promotion playoff—a two-legged tie against the West Nile Regional League leaders—every point is increasingly precious. At the opposite end of the table, the threat of relegation looms large, as four clubs will drop to the Provincial League, the country’s fourth tier.
Currently, Kilak Young Super Power FC lead the Northern Regional League with 17 points from seven matches, holding a three-point cushion over unbeaten Gulu City Council FC, who have played one game fewer. The competitive nature of the league leaves little margin for error, particularly for sides stuck in the lower half.
Sunday Fixtures
As the Lira City derby unfolds, pride, survival and momentum will all be on the line. For Northern Gateway and Saviors, Sunday afternoon represents more than just a rivalry match—it is a chance to reset their seasons and remind the league of their ambitions.
Saturday Results
