Kitara FC produced a disciplined defensive display to secure a hard fought point away to league leaders Vipers SC in a tense 0-0 draw at St Mary’s Stadium on Friday night.
The opening exchanges were tightly contested, with both sides showing respect. While Vipers threatened first through Bady Dasylva’s headed free kick. Kitara grew into the game. Jimmy Kalema spurned a golden opportunity after dispossessing Hilary Mukundane, driving forward but firing over from distance with options available.
The half was marked by physicality: a heavy collision between Milton Karisa and keeper Meddie Kibirige required brief treatment for both, while tempers flared involving Patrick Kaddu, Frank Tumwesigye, and Taddeo Lwanga earning referee Ashadu Ssemere’s intervention. Vipers finished strongly, with Karisa and Usama Arafat failing to convert a dangerous low cross in added time.
Manager Wasswa Bbosa injected fresh energy at halftime, introducing Edson Agondeze, George Senkaaba, and Alex Wasswa for Living Kabon, Patrick Kaddu, and Hussein Ssenoga.
Kitara almost struck immediately after the restart; Frank Tumwesigye forced a superb reflex save from Denis Kiggundu with a dipping free-kick in the 53rd minute. Defensively, the Royals stood firm with Yunus Sibira’s crucial interception to cut out a through ball destined for Karisa.
Adopting a more direct approach, Kitara sought to release Senkaaba and Agondeze, but Vipers’ backline held resolute under pressure. Despite the hosts dominating late possession, Kibirige’s goal remained untroubled thanks to organized defending.
This gritty point keeps Kitara firmly second in the table with 47 points, just four behind Vipers.