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NEC’s decisive 2-1 triumph over reigning champions SC Villa at Lugogo was a bold statement that Hussein Mbalangu’s side is determined to set the pace in this year’s StarTimes Uganda Premier League on satarday 30^th November 2024.

NEC FC defender Jacob Okao (L) battles SC Villa’s Patrick Kakande.

NEC’s resounding 2-1 victory over the defending champions SC Villa at Lugogo made it clear that Hussein Mbalangu’s team is committed to leading the StarTimes Uganda Premier League this year on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

By clinching top spot with 22 points from 10 matches, NEC threw down the gauntlet to title rivals Vipers and KCCA.

However, the challengers faltered under pressure on Saturday, with Vipers settling for a barren draw against Kitara and KCCA similarly held 1-all by Lugazi.

With squad depth and seasoned players at his disposal, Mbalangu showcased his team’s mettle as Nec weathered SC Villa’s fightback.

After Paul Mucureezi’s opener was neutralized by Hakim Kiwanuka’s equalizer, it was substituting Cromwell Rwothomio who delivered the coup de grâce – a sublime volley from a set-piece that underlined NEC’s quality and resilience.

At the St. Mary’s Stadium-Kitende, Kitara, fresh off their emphatic 4-0 thrashing of UPDF, proved they were no pushovers as they battled to a hard-earned point against hosts Vipers in a spirited performance.

NEC FC forward Paul Mucureezi (L) fights for possession.

Despite their spirited showing, the Royals, who have struggled to find their rhythm this season, remain mired in the bottom three, with just eight points to their name.

Vipers, buoyed by a convincing 2-0 win over URA in their previous outing, started with purpose but found themselves stymied by Kitara’s resolute defence.

Allan Okello came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock in the first half, only for his effort to cannon off the post.

A slew of second-half substitutions by John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda’s Venoms failed to turn the tide, as Kitara, under the astute guidance of coach Wasswa Bbosa, held firm and answered every question posed by their more on-song opponents.

With 21 points from 10 matches, Vipers still sit second behind NEC and will look to regain their momentum against Soltilo Bright Stars at Kavumba.

For Kitara, this gutsy display might just be the spark needed to reignite their season. Bbosa reflected on his side’s resilient performance, revealing the tactical approach that earned them a crucial point at Kitende.

KCCA wasted an opportunity to clinch a third away win of the season after being held to a 1-all draw at the Lugazi FC stadium on Saturday.

Having taken the lead through Sadat Anaku’s 48th minute arrowed strike, the Abdallah Mubiru-coached side conceded 13 minutes from time when Derrick Mwanje brought down the ball before volleying home the equaliser.

There were strong suspicions and subsequent protests from KCCA players that he handled the ball before scoring but their failure to get maximum points was ultimately down to poor finishing.

Anaku lifted the ball over the bar from inside the six-yard area while Derrick Nsibambi shot straight weakly at goalkeeper Fahad Emuran with the goal gaping deep into the second half.

The result leaves KCCA third with 19 points while Lugazi are 12th after avoiding defeat for the sixth consecutive game after a slow start.