UPDF, URA FC open season with goalless stalemate

FOOTBALL UPDF, URA FC open season with goalless stalemate

Shafic Kiyaga 18:55 - 17.09.2023

The game was a cagey affair, with both teams finding it difficult to carve out clear-cut opportunities, with the defenders from both teams dealing effectively with any threats that came their way.

UPDF FC and URA FC kicked off their 2023/24 StarTimes Uganda Premier League campaign with a goalless draw at the Bombo Barracks Ground on Sunday afternoon.

This match marked the fourth consecutive stalemate between the two sides, as they had previously shared points in both encounters last season.

While URA FC, with title aspirations, might have hoped for a more dynamic start to the season, they will undoubtedly settle for a point following a second par performance in Bombo.

The game was a cagey affair, with both teams finding it difficult to carve out clear-cut opportunities, with the defenders from both teams dealing effectively with any threats that came their way.

The most significant chance of the match, however, fell to the hosts early in the second half.

Hussein Zzinda played a well-timed pass to set up Faridi Achumu one-on-one with the URA goalkeeper Denis Otim.

Yet, Achumu’s effort struck the goalkeeper's chest, denying the Army Boys a crucial opener.

Prior to this opportunity, UPDF FC's Tenywa Henry had orchestrated an impressive move that led to a free header, but it sailed wide, leaving the home crowd yearning for a breakthrough.

The visitors also had their moments to seize the lead, with substitute Okech Emmanuel launching a powerful shot. However, it was comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper, leaving URA FC frustrated.

The two teams will have a brief respite before returning to action on Friday, September 22nd, with UPDF FC facing Kitara FC at Masindi Stadium, while URA FC hosts Gaddafi FC at the Mehta Stadium.