We take a point after a thrilling encounter at the MTN Omondi Stadium as Kizza Mustafa converted from the spot to give us a first half lead before Karisa equalized to send the game into a draw.
The game started with the real intent from a reformed NEC looking to take early chances. With the tactical changes from KB, opting Kavuma Marvin in the midfield for Allan Mugalu, Emmanuel Ajo on the left wing replacing Waibi, gave our midfield transition to attack a livelier feel. The trio of Kavuma, Ajo and Media gave the Vipers defence a run for their money.
Half-time lead
The match kicked off under floodlights at 8:00 PM, with both sides trading probing attacks in a fiercely contested start. Vipers, true to form, pressed high early, but our home organization stifled them, no clear chances in the opening 10 minutes.
At the 15-minute mark, Vipers nearly struck first: Allan Okello unleashed a curling effort from range, to the top-left corner and forcing a gasp from the crowd. We responded with grit, absorbing pressure and transitioning quickly. The game’s turning point came in the 22nd minute: Innocent Media was upended in the box after a surging run, earning a penalty. Mustafa Kizza stepped up coolly, slotting home to send the Diehards into rapture 1-0.
Vipers pushed back, dominating possession post-goal but struggling to penetrate our compact shape. By the 30th minute, the Venoms were “on the front foot,” but half-time arrived as we were still leading narrowly.
Second half
At the interval, Allan Mugalu was brought in to replace Marvin Kavuma who sustanined a muscle injury and couldn’t continue in the second half.
The interval brought renewed vigor from Vipers, who equalized swiftly after the restart with a powerful shot from Milton Karisa. With both sides pushing an opener, it was an end-to-end affair, with Vipers exerting dominance in attack while we held-on and prioritized getting them on the counter. Paul Mucureezi for Dhata Joeseph while Waibi replace Innocent Media and lastly Ajo was replaced by … as KB threw more fresh legs in the midfield. After the FT, nothing separated the teams.
Linqsoft Man of the Match
Sseremba Joseph was named in the Starting XI for the first time under the new head coach with specific instruction that translated on the pitch and every one could equally witness it as Allan Okello didn’t have the usual liberty and impact on the game.
After a wonderful display in the middle of the pack, he was named Man of the Match and awarded UGX 200,000 by Linqsoft Aluminium producers of Aluminium doors and all metal works for commercial and home needs.
The fans alike voted and awarded him as the NEC FC FANS Man of the Match.
What it means
We maintain a fine run of at the MTN Omondi Stadium as we avoided a loss keeping the fine run going and we gained a useful point to take our tally to 11 points.
What next
We are being hosted by KCCA at where we both call home at MTN Omondi Stadium on 12 December 2025 in Matchday10 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
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