KCCA fought back to deny Kitara all three points in a tense Uganda Premier League clash at Royals Park, Butema, on Friday evening.
Emmanuel Wasswa had given the hosts a dream start with an early header inside five minutes, capitalizing on poor defending from the visitors. Kitara looked in control for long spells, but wastefulness in front of goal came back to haunt them.
The Royals nearly doubled their lead midway through the first half when Joel Sserunjogi’s free-kick whistled just wide, while Sammy Ssebaduka’s tame effort before the break failed to trouble KCCA’s goalkeeper.
The Kasasiro Boys upped the tempo after the interval. Herbert Achayi created problems on the left flank and nearly set up Alex Yiga for the equalizer, only for the striker to drag his shot inches off target in the 75th minute.
Just when it seemed Kitara would hold on, Sharifu Ssengendo struck with ten minutes to go. The midfielder coolly slotted home with his weaker foot, leaving the home fans frustrated.
The result means KCCA’s head coach Brian Ssenyondo enjoyed a bittersweet return to Butema, facing his former side whom he guided to Uganda Cup success before parting ways.
KCCA will now shift focus to their highly anticipated Kampala Derby against SC Villa on October 4 at Mandela National Stadium. Kitara, meanwhile, prepare for a stern test against Vipers on the same weekend.
