Kitara FC missed the chance to move to the summit of the Uganda Premier League after being held to a 1-1 draw by UPDF FC in Bombo.
The stalemate means Kitara remain second on the table with 40 points, one behind leaders Vipers SC, who still have a chance to extend their advantage when they face Mbarara City FC away on Saturday.
Kitara were forced to chase the game after the hosts broke the deadlock midway through the second half. In the 70th minute, Ivan Bogere put UPDF ahead after finishing off a move set up by Ibrahim Makumbi, sending the home fans into celebration and raising hopes of a crucial win for the struggling side.
However, the visitors fought back and eventually found a way through late in the game. Kabon Living levelled matters in the 81st minute after confidently converting from the penalty spot to rescue a point for Kitara.
Both teams had earlier made several tactical adjustments. UPDF introduced Asaph Ssegujja for Frank Mugisa in the 67th minute before Derrick Ssekulima came on for Joseph Janjali later in the match. Kitara had made an earlier change in the first half when Emmanuel Wasswa replaced Frank Tumwesigye in the 24th minute, while Shaban Muhammad and Chrispus Asiki were introduced in the second half to add fresh energy to the side. Isaac later came on for Gadaffi Wahab before John Byamukama replaced Yunus Sibira in the closing stages.
The result does little to improve UPDF’s position in the standings, as they remain second from bottom in the relegation zone with 13 points. Kitara, meanwhile, will feel disappointed to have dropped points in a match that could have taken them to the top of the league table.
