2025/26 Uganda Premier League | Thursday April 9, 2026 | MD 22
- NEC FC 1-0 URA FC
Hannington Ssebwalunyo held his nerve when it mattered most, stepping up in the final moments to give NEC FC a dramatic 1-0 win over URA under the floodlights at Lugogo.
The NEC goalkeeper calmly converted a penalty in the 89th minute after substitute James Jarieko was brought down in the box, sending URA’s Muhamad Ssekebba the wrong way and sealing all three points.
It was a deserved reward for NEC, who had been the better side for much of the night but struggled to break through.
They started brightly, winning three early free-kicks, with Hakim Wandera and Tonny Atukunda going close. January signing Samuel Ssekamatte was lively, forcing a save from distance and narrowly missing the target on another attempt.
URA, however, stayed organized. Joseph Bright Vuni made a crucial block in the first half, while Ssekebba remained alert in goal to keep NEC at bay.
After the break, the game tightened. Chances were few, and both sides grew cautious. Ssekebba did well again to rush off his line and deny Ssekamatte, while NEC goalkeeper Ssebwalunyo dealt comfortably with URA’s rare attacks.
URA’s best opportunity came late on, but Joseph Ssemujju failed to guide his header on target from a right-wing cross.
Moments later, NEC found their breakthrough. Jarieko’s late run forced a foul in the area, and Ssebwalunyo took responsibility, calmly slotting home the winner.
The goal capped a solid performance from the goalkeeper, who was later named man of the match.
The win lifts NEC to fifth place with 37 points from 22 matches, while URA remain on 22 points after their eighth loss of the season.
NEC next host Maroons, while URA face BUL in their upcoming fixture.
Elsewhere, Andrew Samson Kigozi struck twice as UPDF ended a 12-match winless run with a 3-1 victory over Mbarara City in Bombo.
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League action continues Friday, with Lugazi hosting Entebbe UPPC in Najjembe at 4 pm, before Vipers take on Kitara under the lights at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende at 8 pm.
