Kitara FC missed a golden opportunity to leapfrog Vipers SC at the summit of the Uganda Premier League after being held to a 1-1 draw by URA FC at Royal Park, Butema on Thursday evening.
Heading into the Matchday 17 encounter, the Royals knew victory would propel them to the top of the table. Instead, they were forced to settle for a point in a game that ended with frustration written all over their faces.
URA, fighting for survival at the lower end of the standings, showed resilience and grit to walk away with what could be described as a vital result.
The hosts made an energetic start and were rewarded inside the opening quarter-hour. In the 12th minute, George Ssenkaba broke the deadlock with a composed finish after receiving a well-timed delivery from Edward Namasa.
The goal sparked celebrations in the Butema stands as Kitara continued to press, dominating possession and piling pressure through corners and attacking movements.
Despite the early setback, URA remained organised and gradually found their rhythm. The Tax Collectors began to contest midfield battles more aggressively and created moments of danger through set pieces.
Their improved performance kept Kitara from running away with the game before halftime.
Kitara returned after the break with the same attacking intent, pushing forward in search of a second goal. However, missed chances came back to haunt them.
URA punished the hosts in the 66th minute when Norman Namanya fired in the equaliser, shifting the momentum and silencing the home fans.
Just moments after URA drew level, Kitara’s task became even harder. Issa Lumu was shown a red card, leaving the Royals to battle the remainder of the match with ten men.
URA sensed an opportunity and surged forward in search of a winner, but Kitara defended bravely to avoid a late collapse.
When the final whistle sounded, the score remained 1-1 — a result that felt like victory for URA and heartbreak for Kitara.
Kitara remain second on 36 points, now two behind leaders Vipers SC, while URA climb to 13th place with 15 points, moving above Buhimba United Saints.
Kitara will shift focus to their next league test against Entebbe UPPC on March 3.
URA, meanwhile, will host Mbarara City at Hamz Stadium as they continue their fight to climb away from the danger zone.
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