- Mbarara City Vs NEC – Kakyeeka Stadium, Mbarara | 4 PM
In a League where all sides began with different targets, the final bend proves that not all can attain the trophy or survive relegation.
That is the harsh but honest truth ahead of this evening’s Uganda Premier League showdown between NEC FC and Mbarara City at Kakyeeka Stadium.
For NEC, it’s about keeping dreams of a maiden league title alive. For Mbarara City, it’s a fight for survival; this couldn’t be higher and a slip-up for either could spell disaster.
NEC, under the guidance of Hussein Mbalangu, travels to Mbarara knowing nothing short of victory will suffice. With 54 points from 26 games, they sit second on the table, trailing leaders Vipers SC by eight points.
The Venoms’ narrow 1-0 win over UPDF on Tuesday only added pressure to NEC’s shoulders. A win tonight will close the gap to five, keeping the title race alive barely.
But the numbers on the road don’t inspire confidence. NEC have only one win in their last five away matches and are reeling from a 3-1 defeat to Vipers in their last outing. It was a harsh reality check that this campaign will not reward inconsistency.
The Kampala-based side, however, can draw confidence from history, the reverse fixture ended 1-0 in their favour, courtesy of a calm penalty conversion from Paul Mucureezi.
In fact, NEC have won all three of their past meetings against Mbarara City without conceding a goal. Completing the double could be the spark they need in the home stretch.
Mbarara City, meanwhile, are battling on the opposite end of the table and the margin for error is just as thin. The Ankole Lions are teetering just above the relegation zone, only four points clear of Wakiso Giants.
A loss tonight could plunge them deeper into danger with just a handful of games remaining.
Livingston Mbabazi’s men are enduring a brutal run, winless in five, goalless in as many games and defeated in their last four. Their most recent setback, a 1-0 loss to KCCA at Lugogo that exposed familiar failings in front of goal. It’s now or never for the home side to reverse the tide and find their bite.
Both camps are dealing with squad setbacks. Mbarara City will miss Sadick Nasur as he serves the final match of his suspension and Bernard Ndifuna is sidelined due to a concussion. However, they welcome back defender Yusuf Mafabi, offering a sliver of stability in the backline.
NEC, on the other hand, are bolstered by the return of Enock Seebagala from suspension. His presence in midfield could be key in controlling the tempo. However, the absence of Shamir Kimwero and Gideon Odongo, who did not make the trip, weakens their options from the bench.
More Uganda Premier League action will be taking place on different grounds around the country as listed below;
- Kitara vs Wakiso Giants – Butema | 4 PM
- Soltilo Bright Stars vs Express – Kavumba | 4 PM
- Mbale Heroes vs Maroons – Mbale | 4 PM
- URA vs SC Villa – Nakivubo | 7 PM
