Entebbe UPPC and Maroons settled for a share of the spoils after a tightly contested 0–0 draw in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League Match Day 14 encounter played at the Fisheries Training Institute playground in Bugonga, Entebbe Municipality.
In a game handled by FIFA female referee Diana Murungi, both sides created chances but lacked the cutting edge needed to break the deadlock, with goalkeepers and defenders standing firm throughout the afternoon.
The hosts started brightly and looked the more threatening side in the opening exchanges. Muhammad Kyeyune nearly gave UPPC an early advantage, but his close-range effort was blocked, moments after Ambrose Kigozi’s low cut-back from the left caused panic in the Maroons defense inside the opening two minutes.
Steven Munguchi tried his luck from distance six minutes later, but his ambitious strike sailed over the bar. UPPC continued to probe, and Issa Bugembe fired over from a free kick after a Maroons midfielder was booked for deliberate handball midway through the first half.
Maroons gradually grew into the contest and registered their first real warning on 24 minutes through Nkuubi’s free kick, which was well dealt with by the UPPC backline.
Emmanuel Obua later delivered a teasing cross from the left that required decisive defending, while a follow-up effort from Nkuubi was also blocked.
Kyeyune came close again late in the first half, shooting narrowly wide, before Maroons’ adventurous right back wasted the final chance of the opening period with an effort that flew over the crossbar.
The visitors returned with renewed energy after the break and nearly struck first when Nkuubi’s cross was headed away by Boris Onegi. Soon after, Munguchi rattled the side netting from a tight angle, hinting at UPPC’s attacking intent.
On the hour mark, UPPC coach made a bold quadruple substitution, introducing Noordin Bunjo, Julius Poloto, Fazil Tumwine and Issa Mubiru in a bid to tilt the game in their favor.
The changes injected pace and urgency, with Kigozi narrowly missing contact from Mubiru’s delivery and Poloto later heading straight at goalkeeper Matovu.
Poloto would rue another opportunity when he failed to convert from close range following a neat Tumwine cut-back, as UPPC pressed hard for a late breakthrough.
Maroons, however, came closest to winning the contest when Emmanuel Obua unleashed a stunning long-range effort from about 35 yards that crashed against the foot of the post, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Late substitutions followed for the visitors as Ivan Asaba and Abel Eturude made way for Rogers Kiwanuka and Ronald Orombi respectively.
In the dying moments, UPPC goalkeeper Hassam Muyomba was cautioned for time-wasting, but his overall performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
The result leaves Entebbe UPPC on 27 points after 14 games, with a record of eight wins, three draws and three defeats, level on points with Police who face Vipers later today. Maroons remain eighth on the 16-team table, having collected 17 points from four wins, five draws and five losses.
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