- UPDF Vs NEC – Bombo | 4 PM
With the season racing towards its climax, every game now feels like a final. For NEC FC, the mission is clear; keep the pressure on league leaders Vipers SC.
As they prepare to face UPDF FC at the Bombo Barracks Military Ground, the question on everyone’s lips is: Will NEC be able to close down the gap at the top once again?
The Die Hards have already shown they’re no strangers to resilience and grit. Sitting second on the Uganda Premier League table with 47 points from 21 games, NEC trails Vipers by just five points, despite the leaders having played one more match.
That slender margin is thanks to NEC’s recent surge in form, including a convincing 3-1 victory over Express with goals from Paul Mucurezi, Muzamir Mutyaba, and Allan Mugalu. That win stretched their unbeaten run to 14 matches, comprising nine wins and five draws.
On the road, NEC have been formidable. Hussein Mbalangu’s side have picked up 16 points from 10 away games, remaining unbeaten in their last seven trips. Their ability to grind out results away from home has been crucial in keeping their title hopes alive and now they need one more.
However, the road to victory in Bombo won’t be a walk in the park.
Paul Kiwanuka’s UPDF FC may not be fighting for the title, but they come into this clash with their own battles to win. Currently 10th on the table with 27 points, they’ve already matched their tally from the previous two seasons, a sign of progress and ambition.
Their recent 1-0 win over Wakiso Giants showed they can dig deep when needed and with 16 points from 11 home games, they will be banking on the fortress-like aura of the Bombo Barracks Ground to unsettle NEC’s rhythm. Despite losing their last home game 2-1 to KCCA, UPDF have shown they can be tough to beat on their turf.
Yet history doesn’t favor them in this fixture. UPDF FC have never beaten NEC in three previous meetings, losing twice and drawing once.
The most recent encounter ended in a narrow 1-0 loss, sealed by a late strike from Rashid Okocha who unfortunately will miss this game due to injury.
NEC FC will be without key figures, including Shamir Kimwero (knock), Rashid Okocha and the suspended Jacob Okao due to yellow card accumulation.
These absences could test Mbalangu’s squad depth and defensive structure, particularly with Kimwero’s influence in the middle of the park.
UPDF FC aren’t at full strength either. Mugisa Frank is out with injury, Rashid Faridi is suspended, and there are doubts over the availability of Tebandeke Christopher. Additionally, Shakib Mayanja and Henry Penza Tenywa are sidelined, further denting their midfield and attacking options.
For NEC FC, the math is simple; win and the gap shrinks to just two points. Every point now is gold dust. Vipers may be ahead but with NEC’s consistency and momentum, the title race is far from over.
UPDF on the other hand, are chasing their own form of glory. A win over a title contender would not only be historic but also a massive morale booster heading into the season’s final stretch.
On the same day, Mbarara City will host URA in Kakyeka as BUL welcome SC Villa in Njeru. All matches will be played at 4 PM.
