UPL Result:
Kitara FC 1-1 Mbarara City FC
Royals Park stadium
Kitara were denied the chance to record their first top flight victory over Mbarara City as the western derby finished one all at the Royals Park stadium in Butema.
Seeking a return to winning ways, the home side dominated for lengthy periods of the first half but were unable to turn the lion’s share of possession into goal scoring chances.
Their opportunity came in the 47th minute when Jude Ssemugabi was brought down in the box by Owalamu resulting into a penalty which Patrick Kaddu smartly converted to give Kitara the lead.
The Royals defended and contained Mbarara City’s Seiri Arigumaho for most stages of the game and made sure the forward never had a shot on target.
Wasswa Bbosa introduced Marvin Nyanzi in place of Titus Ssematimba at the resumption of the second stanza before adding on George Senkaaba, Amos Etoju and Kabon Living in place of Kaddu, Frank Tumwesigye and Fred Amaku moments later.
Under-pressure Mbarara city manager Livingstone Mbabazi also rang the changes bringing on Ibrahim Kazindula, Henry Musisi and Henry Kitegenyi who immediately impacted the flow of the game.
Benjamin Nyakoojo fouled Kitegenyi in the forbidden area resulting into a penalty for the visitors. Kitegenyi levelled from the spot with fifteen minutes to play.
The visitors almost found the second when Kazindula’s goal bound set piece was saved by Kusiima Chrispas.
Kitara missed a golden chance in the final minutes when Etoju’s long range shot sailed across the goal mouth.
The result means the Royals have failed to beat the Ankole Lions in six of their last encounters in the league.
Wasswa Bbosa’s charges will shift focus to defending the Stanbic Uganda Cup where they will visit Gaddafi FC in the round of 16 on Monday away at the Entebbe Works play grounds.