Simba SC 0-0 SC Villa
Record league champions SC Villa failed to register victory in their first game of the second round of the Uganda Azam Premier League after drawing goalless with Simba at Bombo.
Fresh from eliminating Sudan’s Khartoum Al Watani from the CAF Confederations Cup, the Blues went into the game as favourites but found the army side a tough nut to crack.
Karim Ndugwa missed a clear chance after eight minutes heading wide from close range after Mike Ndera’s cross found him unmarked in the six yard area.
Four minutes later, Mike Sserumaga tested goalie Joseph Ssebuliba from a distance but couldn’t get the ball past him.
In the 19th minute, the visitors were forced to make a substitute as Taddeo Lwanga failed to continue after colliding Alex Witaba and he was replaced by Paul Mbowa.
The hosts’ first threat on goal came in the 28th minute as Brian Ochwo shot wide after good coordination play amongst Wakaza, Witaba and him.
The first half saw no goals and it was no different in the second half although SC Villa showed more desire.
Substitute Umar Kasumba who had replaced Robert Achema nearly scored the winner with a minute left on the clock as he forced a brilliant save from Ssebuliba who used his foot to parry away danger.
The draw implies neither team picked maximum points from the tie over two legs as the two teams played to a similar result in the first round.
Simba moves a place up to 14th on 14 points whilst SC Villa jump to seventh with 25 points; ten adrift of log leaders KCCA although the Jogoos have a game in hand.
Simba SC XI: Joseph Ssebuliba (GK), Aggrey Kirya, Isa Mubiru, Joseph Otieno, Rogers Aloro, Julius Kisambira, Ivan Wava (Moses Okello), Charles Ssemanda (Patrick Gonahasa), Brian Ochwo, Godfrey Wakaza and Alex Witaba (C).
SC Villa XI: Nicholas Ssebwato (GK), Misi Katende, Yeseri Waibi, Henry Katongole, Jonathan Mugabi (C), Taddeo Lwanga (Paul Mbowa), Robert Achema (Umar Kasumba), Mike Sserumaga (Martin Kizza), Karim Ndugwa and Ambrose Kirya.