Mbarara City frustrated BUL’s title hopes with a resolute goalless draw at Kakyeka Stadium on Tuesday. The game was briefly delayed due to a collapsed goalpost during warm-up, but after a short fix, the match kicked off.
BUL dominated much of the first half, with Ibrahim nearly putting his former club behind in the 17th minute with a header that went just wide. The visitors continued to press in the final ten minutes, but Ronald Otti’s goal was disallowed by the referee.
Seeking a breakthrough, BUL coach Abbey Kikomeko made substitutions in the 64th minute and again in the 72nd, introducing fresh legs in Okello, Amos Kirya, and Alex Kitata. However, Mbarara City’s defense held firm, and goalkeeper Ronald Mutebi secured his sixth clean sheet of the season.
This stalemate significantly impacted the title race. Going into the match, BUL led the Uganda Premier League table with 52 points, followed closely by Kitara (51), SC Villa (51), and Vipers (50).
However, with the draw, BUL dropped to third with 53 points after 28 matches. Meanwhile, SC Villa capitalized on the opportunity with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over URA, propelling them to the top of the table.
Defending champions Vipers also have 53 points but hold second place due to a superior goal difference. Kitara’s shock 1-0 defeat to Soltilo Bright Stars dropped them to fourth.
BUL still has a mathematical chance of winning the title, but they must win their final game against relegation-threatened Busoga United on Saturday and hope that their title rivals, Villa, Vipers, and Kitara, all drop points.
