Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) FC clawed their way back to earn a 1-1 draw against Kitara FC in a Uganda Premier League clash played under dim fanfare at Royals Park, Butema, on Friday evening.
The home side had looked set for maximum points after an explosive start saw Emmanuel Wasswa head them in front inside the opening five minutes, capitalising on KCCA’s shaky defending against a high ball.
But despite the early breakthrough, the Royals failed to press home their advantage. Chances came and went, none more glaring than Sammy Ssebaduka’s tame effort at the end of a sharp first-half move involving Saidi Mayanja and Gavin Kizito, which the goalkeeper smothered with ease.
KCCA, still searching for rhythm, grew stronger after the interval. Achayi nearly restored parity midway through the second half after breezing past his man, only to watch Alex Yiga lash his layoff wide from a promising position.
The breakthrough finally arrived with ten minutes to go. Substitute Sharifu Ssengendo pounced on a loose ball and rifled home with his left boot, muting the few Kitara faithfuls who had braved the cold evening amid the ongoing fan protests over the league’s new competition format.
For Brian Ssenyondo, now in charge of KCCA, the draw carried personal weight. He returned to Butema for the first time since his unceremonious dismissal from Kitara – the very club he once steered to Uganda Cup glory.
The result leaves both sides with plenty to ponder ahead of stern tests on October 4. KCCA turn to the high-voltage Kampala Derby against SC Villa at Mandela National Stadium, while Kitara brace themselves for a showdown with champions Vipers at the same venue.
