Calvary FC and Express FC played to a goalless draw in a tightly contested Uganda Premier League encounter at Migido Primary School Grounds on Wednesday evening.
Despite showing more hunger and purpose across the 90 minutes, Calvary once again failed to turn effort into victory, extending their winless run to 17 matches this season. For Express, the result marked another frustrating outing as they missed an opportunity to steady their inconsistent campaign.
The home side looked sharp from the opening whistle and nearly took the lead early on when Simon Odeke rose highest in the box, only to head over the bar.
Express had their moment as well after Calvary defender Eric Otingcwinyu made a costly error, but Elvis Ssekajjugo failed to capitalise, dragging his attempt wide.
Calvary remained the more aggressive side. Lawrence Olaboro came close to breaking the deadlock, but Express defender Ashraf Mbazira produced a vital goal-line clearance to keep the visitors alive.
A late counterattack by Calvary was eventually ruled out for offside as both teams went into halftime level at 0-0.
After the restart, Calvary continued to threaten. Otingcwinyu delivered a dangerous corner which again found Odeke, but the forward could not guide his header on target.
Express earned a free kick after Glory Kisuule was brought down, but Calvary’s wall stood firm and denied any danger.
Both sides made changes in search of a winner. Express introduced Lawrence Bukenya, Marvin Nyanzi and Amos Muwonge, while Calvary responded with Jeremy Matata and Ronald Olado.
The clearest opportunity of the match fell to Odeke, who found himself with a clean sight of goal but fired straight at Express goalkeeper Khassim Hafizu. Shortly after, Opio Daniel headed narrowly wide as Calvary pushed desperately for a breakthrough.
As the match grew more physical, yellow cards were shown, but neither team found the quality needed in the final third. After three minutes of added time, the contest ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
The draw leaves Calvary rooted at the bottom of the table with just five points and five draws, still searching for their first win of the season.
Express, meanwhile, recorded their sixth draw of the campaign and a third consecutive goalless result, remaining 11th with 18 points after 17 matches.
Defender Eric Otingcwinyu was named Man of the Match after delivering a composed and resilient performance at the back.
Calvary will next host SC Villa on March 2, while Express return home to face Maroons FC on March 4.
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