Ibrahim Kayiwa scored late in the game as the Jinja derby between Kirinya-Jinja SSS and Bul ended in a stalemate.
The midfielder headed home from close range in the 84th minute to ensure spoils are shared between the two sides for the third time.
Fans’ favorite Patrick ‘Crespo’ Asiku had given his side Bul the lead in the 38th minute when he majestically chest controlled Umar Makobe’s cross from the right in the presence of six Kirinya-Jinja SSS players, and shot from close range to break the deadlock, but just when the visitors thought they could hold on for their first win of the season, Kayiwa, on loan from Vipers restored parity.
Faisal Muledhu took charge of the free-kick that came after substitute Fred Amaku was brought down, and Kayiwa headed home the equalizer.
Kirinya-Jinja SSS dominated possession from the first whistle and created great opportunities in the first half, but strikers Musa Esenu who was not 100% fit after he suffered a knock in their final training on Friday, and Faisal Muwawu wasted a great deal of them.
Charles Ayeikho’s men continued to pile pressure in the second half but could not find a goal. Isaac Ntege, scorer of the lone goal against URA last weekend, and who made way for Anthony Mayanja in the 70th minute had his two superb free-kicks go slightly over the bar.
Esenu, after seeing his header in the 68th minute go over the bar brilliantly set up Amaku in the 75th minute but the diminutive player’s shot went wide. His presence was, however, felt by Bul fans when the free-kick he won resulted into an equalizer.
Earlier, the hosts had been denied what looked like a penalty. Substitute Hamis Tibita looked like he had handled the ball, but referee Mashood Ssali wasn’t convinced.
Kayiwa’s goal boosted Ayeikho’s side which only meant more trouble for the visitors. Bul who were forced to make two substitutions earlier in the game when Martin Kivumbi was stretched out for Tibita and Fred Agandu replacing injured Umar Makobe suffered a barrage of attacks as Kirinya-Jinja SSS pushed for a winner, and a red card was inevitable.
Patrick Sembuya was the guilty party as he received his matching orders in added minutes for a foul on Godfrey Akol who assumed the captaincy role after the club captain George Kasonko was withdrawn.
It was the third time the two sides were sharing spoils. Last season in their first two meets in the league, both meetings ended goalless.
Kirinya-Jinja SSS, now with 5 points, go fourth with the point, while Bul who are yet to secure victory this term rise a place up to 13th.
