SC Villa missed the chance to move top of the Uganda Premier League after being held to a goalless draw by Blacks Power at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, on Tuesday.

Villa came into the match knowing a victory would take them above the rest of the pack, but a stubborn Blacks Power side defended with discipline to leave the hosts frustrated.

Blacks Power made their intentions clear early on, with goalkeeper Odongkara producing an important goal-line clearance in the eighth minute to deny Isaac Mpangi from close range.

Villa gradually settled into the contest and began moving the ball with greater purpose, mixing short passes with longer deliveries in search of openings.

Their best chance of the first half came three minutes before the break when Geoffrey Lubangakene rose to meet a cross, only to see his header drift narrowly wide.

The hosts increased the pressure after halftime as they searched for the goal that would have sent them to the summit.

Patrick Kakande came close in the 68th minute when he stretched to meet Andrew Okumu’s delivery, but his effort went just wide.

Frank Sebuufu also had opportunities with his head, while John Asiimwe repeatedly threatened from the left with dangerous crosses into the Blacks Power box.

However, Bashir Asiku and John Paul Acire remained composed at the heart of the visitors’ defence, dealing with Villa’s aerial threat and helping protect the clean sheet.

Villa were handed another opening late on when Innocent Maduka found himself unmarked in front of goal, but the forward headed well over as the hosts’ frustration grew.

Blacks Power held on to secure a valuable point away from home, while Villa were left to rue their missed chances.

The draw leaves SC Villa second on 18 points after eight matches, while Blacks Power sit fifth with 13 points.

For Villa, it was a costly evening in the title race, with the opportunity to climb to the top slipping away at Wankulukuku.