Home Football UPL: Mayanja brace hands KCCA derby bragging rights amid physical environment 

UPL: Mayanja brace hands KCCA derby bragging rights amid physical environment 

by Jeremiah Mugalu
1 minutes read

2025/26 Uganda Premier League | Friday December 12

  • KCCA 2-1 NEC

Saidi Mayanja was the difference once again as KCCA claimed a hard fought 2–1 win over NEC in a fiery Lugogo derby under the lights at Phillip Omondi Stadium on Friday night. 

His late winner sealed the points and lifted the Kasasiro Boys to the top of the Uganda Premier League table.

KCCA could not have asked for a better start. Just four minutes in, Mayanja calmly finished to put the hosts ahead and ignite the home crowd. 

KCCA pushed for a second, but NEC goalkeeper Samson Kirya kept his side in the contest with a string of sharp saves.

NEC returned from the break with purpose and gradually wrestled control. Their pressure told in the 51st minute when Titus Ssematimba struck the equaliser, briefly turning the tide and quieting Lugogo.

Tempers soon flared in a game that grew increasingly physical. Emmanuel Anyama was denied by Kirya before NEC were reduced to ten men after Ssematimba was sent off for a reckless challenge on Lazaro Bwambale. 

KCCA’s numerical advantage was short lived, though, as Anyama also saw red minutes later, leaving both sides with ten men.

As the clock wound down and the derby hung in the balance, Mayanja rose again. Picked out by Alex Yiga, he kept his cool to bury his second of the night and spark wild celebrations in the stands.

The win takes KCCA to the summit on 23 points, while NEC stay 10th on 11 points after ten matches.

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