URA FC missed the chance to close the huge gap on StarTimes Uganda Premier League title rivals Vipers SC as they drew 0-0 with Arua Hill FC at the Ndejje Arena of Visions, Bombo.
The stalemate means the Tax Collectors have now gone seven league games unbeaten, but an outright win would have seen them reduce the wide gap of points off the top to four. After collecting only one point, however, URA is now six points below the table leader.
The result, however, does not paint the exact picture as it was in Bombo, as the game was more interesting than boring. The score-line would have displayed completely different numbers, but the hosts, like their visitors all missed a succession of chances.
Steven Mukwala seemed like he would score anytime for the home side in the opening minutes, but all his attempts yielded no tangible result.
Before halftime, URA’s Moses Sseruyidde was forced off with an injury, to be replaced by the captain Shafik Kagimu.
Even as up to four minutes were added to the first forty-five, no goals were recorded, as Saidi Kyeyune was booked.
On returning for the second half, URA looked like they wanted to score more than in the first half – playing with more urgency.
Ronald Kigongo after three minutes back on attempted to score from long range but his effort went wide of the post.
Towards the hour mark, URA, aiming at a double impact made a double substitution as Dada Ibrahim and Davis Ssali paved way for Cromwell Rwothomio and Vianne Ssekajugo.
As the tempo of the game intensified, Kigongo couldn’t help but get himself in the referee’s book just past the hour mark.
Rwothomio almost scored a few minutes after coming on, but his great strike was matched by Richard Anyama.
With 20 minutes left to play, Arua Hill had the ball at the back of the net but the flag went up for offside.
Jackson Nunda replaced Kagimu three minutes to time, the referee added five minutes to the 90, and the game still ended goalless.
URA will be grateful they avoided a loss and kept a clean sheet at home, but will still feel a pinch of pain for not accumulating maximum points to keep the title chase lively.
URA, with 43 points after 23 games are still in the second position on the 16-team table.
The Tax Collectors will be playing their next game on Monday, April 4th away to BUL FC at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe.