Uganda Premier League | Thursday – MatchDay 12
- NEC 3-1 Express
- Police 0-1 Kitara
NEC FC continued their pursuit of Uganda Premier League leaders Vipers SC with a 3-1 victory over Express FC at Lugogo on Friday night.
The win, which marked NEC’s 50th league appearance, reaffirmed their title ambitions as they closed the gap to just two points behind Vipers.
Right from the start, Hussein Mbalangu’s side set the pace with Muzamir Mutyaba opening the scoring in the 4th minute. The experienced midfielder unleashed a stunning shot that beat Express goalkeeper Michael Kagiri, giving NEC an early advantage.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 24th minute through Paul Mucureezi who calmly slotted home from a Marvin Kavuma cross. NEC had chances to extend their lead before halftime, but Shamir Kimwero and Kavuma were denied by Kagiri.
Express struggled to create clear opportunities, with their best first half chance falling to Sam Ssenyonjo who was twice denied by NEC’s solid shot stopper, Hannington Sebwalunyo.
NEC continued to dictate play after the break, and their persistence paid off when Allan Mugalu who had just come on as a substitute, finished off a neat cut back pass from Mucureezi to make it 3-0.
Despite showing some late fight, Express FC could only grab a consolation goal through Conrad Ssenjogera in the 80th minute, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a third consecutive defeat.
The victory lifted NEC to 47 points, keeping them firmly in the title race as they prepare for a trip to UPDF FC in Bombo.
Express FC, now seventh with 28 points, will look to bounce back when they visit Maroons FC on Thursday, 5 April 2024.
Earlier in the day, Kitara FC edged Police FC 1-0 in Kavumba courtesy of a Jude Ssemugabi goal.
UPL action will continue on Friday, 26 March with the Fixtures below;
- Lugazi Vs Maroons – Najjembe | 4 PM
- Wakiso Giants Vs UPDF – Kabaka Kyabaggu | 4 PM
- KCCA Vs Bright Stars- Lugogo | 7 PM
