2025/26 Uganda Premier League
- SC Villa 2-1 NEC FC
A dramatic evening at FUFA Kadiba Stadium, Mengo saw SC Villa’s 2–1 win over NEC FC overshadowed by an explosive moment at the final whistle, when Jovan Zeljko Kovacevic had to be physically restrained from confronting referee Samuel Olumu over what he believed was persistently poor officiating on Thursday night.
From the first whistle, tension simmered. Every debatable call from Olumu only fueled Villa’s frustration, with the bench animated and the fans growing increasingly restless. By full-time, Kovacevic’s patience had snapped.
He charged toward the referee, only for captain Douglas Owori, quickly supported by players and assistant coaches, to pull him back before the confrontation escalated.
The altercation nearly reached the referee’s changing room but was eventually defused without any serious incident.
On the pitch, the game took time to come alive. A dull first half produced no shots on target from either side, though Ibrahim Kasinde came closest when his acrobatic bicycle kick rattled the crossbar after clever buildup play from Hassan Mubiru and Frank Ssebuufu.
But just two minutes into the second half, Villa finally cracked NEC open.
From Owori’s free kick, Mubiru linked play with a series of neat touches before delivering a teasing cross that Ssebuufu headed into Yiga’s path. The youngster made no mistake, nodding home the opener.
NEC pushed hard for a response but met a disciplined defensive wall marshalled by Geoffrey Labangakene. Their pressure eventually backfired.
After a sloppy spell of midfield turnovers, Ali Bayo launched a swift 3-on-2 counterattack involving Mubiru, Kasinde, and substitute Elvis Ngonde. Mubiru squared unselfishly, and Ngonde fired in Villa’s second.
NEC refused to roll over and earned a late consolation. Joseph Dhata’s corner caused chaos in the box, and Daniel Shabena pounced with a low finish, though the goal was mistakenly credited to James Jerieko.
The win lifts SC Villa to 13 points, moving them to second place overnight, one behind leaders Police FC and ahead of KCCA FC. NEC’s early-season struggles continue, with only six points from a possible 18.
Villa will return to action on Tuesday with an away trip to UPDF FC in Bombo, while NEC hosts Calvary FC in Kampala.
Elsewhere, Kitara FC ended BUL’s unbeaten run with a narrow 1–0 victory, and Lugazi FC held Express FC to a draw.
The league continues on Friday, November 21, with Buhimba Saints hosting Mbarara City and KCCA FC welcoming URA FC as the Kasasiro Boys aim to reclaim top spot.
