Moses Nkata believes URA Ladies FC are beginning to find their feet in the FUFA Women Super League after his side held St Noa Girls Zana FC to a 1-1 draw at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, on Saturday.
For Nkata, the point was worth celebrating, not only because URA avoided defeat against one of the league’s stronger sides, but also because his team had to cope with the absence of their regular goalkeeper, Esther Nantongo.
Nantongo was unavailable through injury, leaving Ashley Nakabugo to take her place between the posts. The stand-in goalkeeper responded with a composed display, including a crucial late save that denied St Noa a chance to snatch victory.
Nkata was pleased with how Nakabugo handled the responsibility, although he admitted that losing their first-choice goalkeeper had affected the confidence of his defence.
“We came here and never wanted to lose. We wanted to play very well and at least get a better result. But I’ll be happy with the draw according to how the team has been because we really missed our first-choice goalkeeper,” Nkata said.
“She was really injured, so the confidence at the back wasn’t good enough. But I believe the one who came in was ready to do the task, and I really appreciate how she performed today.”
URA were made to work for the point after St Noa took an early lead in front of their home supporters.
Just six minutes into the game, Monica Butema turned home Marion Serenge’s well-delivered cross from close range to put the hosts ahead.
St Noa looked to build on that start, but URA gradually grew into the contest. Shafiga came close to an equaliser in the 22nd minute with a shot from outside the box that drifted narrowly wide.
The visitors eventually found their way back into the game four minutes before half-time. Beatrice Kyokushaba found space inside the box and calmly finished to make it 1-1.
The teams went into the break level, setting up an equally competitive second half.
Nkata was particularly impressed with how his players dealt with St Noa’s attacking options. He felt the hosts’ depth allowed them to make several changes in an attempt to unsettle URA’s defensive organisation.
“We were playing a team which has a lot of attacking players and, at one time, because of the squad depth they have and the number of players available, they had to make a lot of changes. I think they were really trying to disorganise the defence,” he said.
However, URA largely stood their ground, with Nkata satisfied with the discipline his players showed at the back.
“The organisation was good on my team. I really believe it was very good. At least at one time we had some chances, although I think we just lost a little bit of concentration,” he added.
The coach also felt St Noa were not necessarily in control of possession but remained dangerous when they had the ball, particularly when URA managed to disrupt their shape.
“Not that they had much of the ball, but you would realise they were easy to penetrate when they had the ball, and when they were losing possession, they would be out of position,” Nkata explained.
After the restart, both teams continued searching for a winner. St Noa came close in the 66th minute when Zaina Namuleme picked out Shamusa Najjuma, who drove into the box before sending her effort wide.
URA made their first change in the 77th minute, bringing on Cynthia Kirenga for Tracy Nabalanzi as they looked for fresh energy.
But it was St Noa who nearly found a late winner seven minutes from time. Nakabugo came off her line at the right moment to deny the hosts, preserving URA’s point.
Neither side could find another goal despite at least four minutes of added time. St Noa’s Zainabu Birungi was named Woman of the Match for her performance.
The result leaves St Noa second on the table with 12 points, while URA move into fourth place with 10 points.
The draw was URA Ladies’ first of the campaign, but for Nkata it was another sign that his players are growing in confidence and learning to compete against the league’s better sides.
He believes St Noa’s quality and previous performances made them a difficult opponent, but was pleased that URA could match them over the 90 minutes.
“To me, I’m really grateful for the result, and I believe the team has really done a lot to get up today. This result is giving confidence to the team,” he said.
“It’s a better team according to how it has been in the league previously, the players they have and how they have been. But I think we have done a great job to match the teams now. Since it’s the first time, we would be grateful for the result we have now.”
URA will now turn their attention to their next league assignment, a home encounter against Jinja United Women Football Club at Hamz Stadium on November 26.
Meanwhile, Jinja United finally had something to celebrate on Saturday after securing their first victory of the 2026/27 campaign on a busy Matchday 7, beating Amus College WFC 2-0 at the Prime Vocational Institute.