Buhimba United Saints FC produced a spirited performance to earn a dramatic 1-1 draw against Police FC in the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League Matchday 17 clash played on Tuesday evening at The Royal Park in Butema.
Deep in the relegation battle and coming into the contest as clear underdogs, Buhimba showed courage, discipline and determination against a Police side that arrived with hopes of strengthening their grip on a top-four position.
The match opened at a frantic pace, with both sides battling aggressively for control. Buhimba looked dangerous especially from set pieces, but Police remained composed at the back to keep the hosts at bay.
The intensity was reflected early, as Hussein Mwanje and Erick Washington Nyonyitono went into the referee’s book in a fiery first half.
Drama unfolded just before halftime when Buhimba head coach Robert Mukasa was shown a red card in added time, leaving the hosts to navigate the remainder of the match without their tactician on the touchline.
Police’s Benon Tahomera was also booked moments earlier as tensions rose, but the sides went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
After the restart, Police returned with greater purpose and gradually began to dictate the tempo. Their growing dominance was evident as they pushed Buhimba deeper, with a threatening free kick offering an early warning of what was to come.
The visitors’ momentum increased following substitutions in the 62nd minute, when Reagan Male and Teny were introduced.
The changes paid dividends in the 75th minute when Reagan finished off a well-worked move set up by Tahomera, firing Police into a 1-0 lead that appeared to have secured maximum points.
However, Buhimba refused to surrender. With the clock ticking into stoppage time, the hosts poured forward in search of a lifeline.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 90+3rd minute when John Bosco Ssempijja delivered a decisive ball into the danger area.
Nyonyitono reacted fastest, smashing home the equaliser to ignite wild celebrations among the home fans and ensure Buhimba claimed a valuable point in their survival push. His relentless display earned him the Man of the Match award.
The draw leaves Police FC in fourth place on 32 points, missing an opportunity to tighten their hold in the top-four race. Buhimba United Saints remain 13th with 15 points, but the late comeback could prove vital in their fight to avoid relegation.
Police will next host BUL FC on March 3, while Buhimba face a tough away challenge against KCCA FC on March 2.
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