Vipers SC’s grip on the Uganda Premier League title race weakened after they were frustrated to a barren draw by a resilient Police FC side at Kira Road Arena in Kamwokya.
The defending champions failed to find a breakthrough despite dominating large spells of the contest, with Police goalkeeper Sammon Oloka emerging as the standout performer after producing a series of vital saves.
Oloka denied Glodi Beyuku, Abdul Karim Watambala and Arafat Usama in a commanding display that earned the hosts a valuable point and halted Vipers’ attempt to stretch their advantage at the top of the table.
The Venoms briefly believed they had found the winner midway through the second half when Beyuku nodded home after Odili Chukwuma’s free-kick rattled the crossbar. However, the celebrations were quickly silenced after assistant referee Ashraf Kateregga flagged for offside.
Vipers also endured frustrating moments in front of goal before the break and immediately after halftime. Watambala struck the post early in the second half, while Usama failed to convert a clear opportunity when through on goal.
The draw pushed Vipers to 61 points, but the dropped points handed fresh hope to chasing rivals KCCA FC and Kitara FC in the increasingly tense title race.
KCCA, sitting on 55 points and face UPDF FC tomorrow, have a chance to reduce the gap at the summit, while Kitara also remained firmly in contention with only a few matches left in the campaign.
More worrying for the Venoms is their recent dip in form. The stalemate extended their winless run to four matches in all competitions at a time when consistency is most needed.
Even so, Vipers remain masters of their own fate and can still retain the league crown if they win their remaining fixtures against Maroons FC and Express FC.
