Uganda Premier League | Thursday | MD 23
- NEC 2-1 Kitara
- Police 2-0 Mbarara City
- SC Villa 3-1 Mbale Heroes
In the fading light of a tense Thursday night at Lugogo, NEC FC captain Marvin Kavuma rose above the rest, literally and figuratively, to keep his team’s title dream alive.
With just minutes left on the clock, and his team down to ten men, Kavuma powered in a dramatic 87th-minute header from an Emmanuel Ajo cross, sealing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a stubborn Kitara FC.
The goal did more than just win the match; it completed a league double over Kitara and kept NEC firmly on the heels of league leaders Vipers SC in the Uganda Premier League title race.
But the night had not started so brightly for NEC. Kitara drew first blood early, with Living Kabon heading in a well-placed cross from Titus Ssematimba in the 10th minute. The early blow could have rattled NEC, but instead, it sparked a spirited response.
Leading from the front, Kavuma played architect for the equalizer, setting up Muzamir Mutyaba to calmly slot home before halftime.
The game, balanced on a knife-edge, took a sharp turn in the second half when NEC’s Enock Ssebagala received a second yellow card, reducing the hosts to ten men with over 30 minutes still to play.
From then on, it was about grit, discipline and patience. Despite their numerical disadvantage, NEC refused to sit back. They absorbed pressure and waited for their moment. That moment came late, and fittingly, it was the skipper who stepped up again.
Kavuma’s towering header not only delivered the win but ignited wild celebrations from the home crowd, who could sense their side’s growing momentum.
NEC’s 51 points now place them just one behind Vipers SC who face Express FC next. With a crucial trip to Kitende to face Vipers next week, NEC’s destiny remains within touching distance.
For Kitara, the loss was a sobering reminder of the fine margins in football. After an impressive win over KCCA in their previous outing, they failed to capitalize on their man advantage and remain fifth with 35 points.
Elsewhere, SC Villa made light work of bottom side Mbale Heroes winning 3-1 at the Muteesa II Royal Stadium. Goals from Simon Ssemayange, a Mbale own goal and Patrick Jonah Kakande helped the Jogoos to victory with Robert Eseru netting a consolation for the visitors.
On the other side, Matia Lule’s Police delivered a match-winning performance against Mbarara City at Kavumba. The Cops put two past the Ankole Lions with goals from Umar Kasumba and Gadaffi Kacancu.
Uganda Premier League Match Day 23 action will continue tomorrow, Friday, April 11 with the following fixtures.
- Lugazi vs UPDF – Lugazi | 4 PM
- Express vs Vipers – Nakivubo | 7 PM
