Mbarara City and Kitara FC play out 1-1 draw in Uganda Premier League

UPL result

Mbara City 1 Kitara 1

The rivalry between Mbarara City and Kitara FC continued as the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in their first-round meeting of the 2024/2025 Uganda Premier League season at Kakyeka Stadium on Friday.

This result marked the fourth draw in five league meetings between the sides, with Mbarara City having won once and Kitara still seeking their first victory in this fixture.

The deadlock was broken late in the game when substitute Ronald Edwok, who came on for Hassan Jurua in the second half, scored for the home side with a composed finish into an open net in the 83rd minute. However, Kitara FC’s veteran striker Patrick Kaddu, who replaced Lazaro Bwambale late in the first half, equalized in controversial fashion in the 90th minute, much to the frustration of Mbarara City coach Livingstone Mbabazi.

Mbarara City showed intent from the start of the second half, with Seiri Arigumaho, their 4-goal top scorer, leading the charge. However, despite creating two clear one-on-one chances, Arigumaho and his teammates were unable to convert their opportunities.

On the other hand, Kitara FC, led by under-pressure coach Brian Ssenyondo, relied on Uganda Cranes duo Denis Omedi and Jude Ssemugabi to translate their international form into league success. However, Mbarara City’s defense, expertly marshaled by Kharim Ramathan, kept them at bay.

Ssenyondo, who was seen embracing his players at the final whistle, will be relieved with the point, as it could buy him more time to stabilize his team. Meanwhile, Mbabazi, still winless at home, will need to rethink his tactics for upcoming games.

The draw leaves Mbarara City in 10th place with 6 points from 5 games, while Kitara FC moves up to 14th with 4 points from the same number of matches.