• SC Villa 0-0 Blacks Power

Blacks Power held SC Villa to a goalless draw in the Uganda Premier League at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, on Tuesday.

SC Villa went into the encounter knowing victory would take them to the top of the table, but they were frustrated by a disciplined Blacks Power side that defended resolutely to secure a valuable point.

The visitors remained compact at the back, limiting SC Villa’s attacking options and making it difficult for the hosts to penetrate through the middle.

Blacks Power goalkeeper Odongkara made an important goal-line clearance in the eighth minute to deny Isaac Mpangi from close range, keeping the hosts at bay early in the contest.

SC Villa gradually grew in confidence, combining short and long passes in search of a breakthrough, but Blacks Power maintained their defensive shape and remained difficult to break down.

In the 43rd minute, Geoffrey Lubangakene came close to giving the hosts the lead, but his header drifted inches wide of the target.

SC Villa increased the tempo after the break, seeking to exploit any signs of fatigue in the Blacks Power ranks. However, the visitors continued to frustrate their opponents.

Patrick Kakande nearly broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when he stretched to connect with Andrew Okumu’s delivery, only for his effort to sail narrowly wide.

Frank Sebuufu also threatened moments later, but both of his headed attempts failed to find the target as SC Villa struggled to make their pressure count.

John Asiimwe found space down the left flank and delivered several crosses into the box, but Bashir Asiku and John Paul Acire stood firm to help Blacks Power preserve their clean sheet.

In the dying minutes, Innocent Maduka was found left alone in front of goal but the forward planted his header way off target.

The result leaves SC Villa second in the standings with 18 points, while Blacks Power remain fifth with 13 points after eight matches.