Uganda Premier League | Friday Results – Matchday 22
- UPDF 0-0 NEC
- BUL 1-0 SC Villa
- Mbarara 0-2 URA
NEC FC’s dream of clinching their maiden Uganda Premier League title took a heavy blow as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by UPDF FC at the Bombo Military Barracks Ground on Friday evening.
Coming into the match under mounting pressure to close the gap on league leaders Vipers SC, NEC needed nothing less than a win.
Instead, they walked away with just a point, leaving them four points adrift after Vipers edged Lugazi FC 1-0 in Kitende.
The Die Hards entered the fixture fully aware of the stakes. With every touch of the ball carrying the weight of a title chase, NEC looked determined but lacked the finishing edge. The opening half was an open contest, with both teams crafting chances but failing to break the deadlock.
Atendele Geriga was a livewire on the flank, whipping in dangerous crosses that begged for a final touch. One such delivery found Rwothomio Cromwell, who couldn’t convert under tight marking from Ssekitoleko Denis.
Paul Mucureezi had his moments too, flashing a free kick wide and missing from open play, while Kitara Daniel saw his low strike saved brilliantly by UPDF’s goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo.
The second half offered more of the same. NEC pressed with urgency, but the final product continued to elude them.
Gideon Odongo was denied after a promising ball from Enock Ssebagala was picked off by goalkeeper Richard Anyama who earlier nearly gifted Rwothomio a chance after a poor touch but recovered in time.
Allan Mugalu also failed to hit the target with a header from another teasing Atendele cross.
UPDF FC, content to absorb pressure and hit on the break, thought they had earned a penalty when Rashid Faridi was fouled inside the area.
But celebrations were cut short when the assistant referee flagged for a free kick instead, indicating the foul occurred just outside the box.
The stalemate may feel like a missed opportunity for UPDF, but it marks a milestone, the club’s best points tally in the last two seasons, sitting 10th with 28 points from 22 games.
For NEC, however, the result is a bitter pill. Still second on the table with 48 points, they now face an uphill battle in the title race.
Elsewhere in the League, BUL edged SC Villa 1-0 courtesy of a Jerome Kirya strike at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
For Mbarara City, they suffered a 2-0 home defeat to URA FC in Kakyeka with goals from Ivan Ahimbisibwe and Bruno Bunyaga securing three points for the visitors.
The UPL will continue on Saturday, April 5 with the following fixtures:
- Mbale Vs Wakiso Giants – Mbale | 4 PM
- Maroons Vs Express – Luzira | 4 PM
- Kitara Vs KCCA – Hoima | 4 PM
