Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) played to a non-scoring home draw with Wakiso Giants at the Arena of Visions Stadium on Saturday..
A series of goal scoring opportunities were created, sadly not converted.
Forwards Ibrahim Dada, Rwothomio Cromwell, second-half substitute Steven Mukwala, Moses Sseruyidde and captain Shafik Kagimu all got close but were frustrated by the visiting defence line.
URA created the better chances and were by far the better side on the evening.
As early as the fourth minute, Sseruyidde Moses had a free-kick blocked by the defensive wall.
Moments later, Dada had two shots fly wide off the Wakiso Giants goal.
By the quarter hour mark, right back Ashraf Mandela had a shot off 40 yards missing target.
The opposition’s first threat came 20 minutes into the game when right-winger Andrew Kaggwa executed an energetic run on the right but the URA backline recovered to clear the line.
Sseruyidde shot miles over after being set up by Dada before the latter had a one against one incident fouled by Wakiso Giants’ goalkeeper Samson Kirya.
Mandela was cautioned by the referee Ali Sabilla Chelengat for a foul on Viane Ssekajugo in the 35th minute.
The resultant free-kick executed by Joshua Lubwama nearly broke the ice but URA goalkeeper Alionzi Nafian Legasson tipped the ball over for a corner kick.
A beautiful wall pass between Rwothomio and Kagimu witnessed the former shoot narrowly wide with a low drive.
URA midfielder Ivan Ntege was booked for a late challenge on the Purple Sharks’ left back Alex Komakech as the first half ended goal-less.
Upon restart of the second half, the tax collectors introduced striker Mukwala Steven for Davis Ssali.
Two minutes into the second half, URA forward Rwothomio Cromwel beat Simon Namwanja but his cut back was blocked.
Sseruyidde’s 30-yard shot was stopped by Samson Kirya in the 57th minute.
URA hit the wood-work in quick succession; first through captain Kagimu Shafik then later by Mukwala Steven inside the goal area.
URA called off midfielder Ivan Ntege for utility player Hudu Mulikyi with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Wakiso Giants goalkeeper Kirya got cautioned for a foul on Mukwala outside the goal area.
The resultant free-kick by Sseruyidde was stopped by Kirya.
The last chance of the game witnessed a volleyed effort from Kagimu sail out after being set up by Rwothomio’s header.
Goal-less it ended with a point per side. URA turns focus and attention to the next match away to newcomers Kitara at the Kavumba Recreational Stadium, Wakiso on Wednesday, 24th February 2021.
URA XI: Nafian Alionzi (G.K), Ashraf Mandela, Brian Majwega, Patrick Mbowa, Benjamin Nyakoojo, Ivan Ntege, Davis Ssali, Moses Sseruyidde, Shafik Kagimu (C), Ibrahim Dada, Cromwell Rwothomio
Subs: Hannington Ssebwalunyo (G.K), Hudu Mulikyi, Steven Mukwala, Mikidadi Ssenyonga, Kigongo Ronald, Galiwango Arafat.
Head coach: Sam Ssimbwa
Assistant coach: George Lutalo
Wakiso Giants XI: Samson Kirya (G.K), Geriga Atendere, Alex Komakech, Ibrahim Faizul, Simon Namwanja, Joshua Lubwama, Lawrence Bukenya, Ibrahim Kasule, Vianne Ssekajugo, Kipson Atuheire, Pius Kaggwa
Subs: Derrick Emukule (G.K), Hassan Wasswa, Tom Matsiko, Amos Muwonge,
Head coach: Douglas Bamweyana