Rivals Express FC and KCCA FC played to a goalless draw in the first leg of their Stanbic Uganda Cup quarter-final tie at Betway Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku on Wednesday.

The draw leaves the tie open ahead of the second leg at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on June 4. 

Express enjoyed a slightly more dominant opening hour, but their visitors turned the tide and could have walked away with a crucial victory with their performance for the final 30 minutes. 

The Red Eagles should have taken the lead inside 10 minutes but Godfrey Lwesibawa flashed his effort over the bar off Martin Kizza’s cross.

KCCA came back fighting from their early slumber, Herbert Achai drawing a top save from Denis Otim. Moments later, Lukwago again came out on top with a brilliant diving save to thwart Lwesibawa. 

While Express continued on the front foot, KCCA held on to keep the score still goalless by the halftime break. 

Even at the restart of the second half, both teams lacked real quality in the final third although Express seemed a better side.

The Kasasiro Boys had defender Peter Magambo to thank following a goal-line clearance with Martin Kizza’s shot taking a deflection off Lukwago. 

While KCCA had more possession for the final 30 minutes, Express nearly found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute, but Lukwago pulled off another top save to keep out Kambale’s free-kick. 

Nothing could separate the joint record winners of the Uganda Cup at full-time and it was also the first time this fixture had no goal since 2014.

How they lined up

Express FC: Mathais Muwanga (GK), Enock Walusimbi, Murushid Juuko, Isa Lumu, Arthur Kiggundu, Mahad Yaya, Daniel Shabena, Charles Musiige, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Eric Kambale, Martin Kizza

KCCA FC: Charles Lukwago (GK), Musa Ramathan, Denis Iguma, Peter Magambo, Moses Aliro, Gift Ali, Hassan Musana, Ashraf Mugume, Steven Sserwadda, Herbert Achai, Charles Lwanga