The game started at a high tempo, with NEC FC showing early intent. Basangwa tested the Vipers defence with the very first attempt of the match in the opening minute, his shot going just wide of the target.
Vipers responded with a dangerous free-kick at the edge of the box, but the effort was well blocked by the NEC wall. WE then won the first corner of the game on the right flank. Wandera’s delivery was met by Kagawa inside the box, but his shot flew over the bar.
Goalkeeper Ssebwalunnyo was called into action early, comfortably collecting a teasing ball into the box. Usama attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick from a Ssebaggala cross, but the effort sailed wide.
The match settled into a balanced contest as both teams probed for openings. WE earned a promising free-kick in a dangerous area, but Tony’s delivery was cleared away for a throw-in.
Just before the break, we created ourr best chance of the half through a swift counter-attack. Kimwero combined well with Kagawa, whose dangerous cross was narrowly missed by Ssekamatte.
The diehards continued to press, winning another corner. Wandera delivered again, and after the initial clearance, Kimwero’s follow-up shot was comfortably dealt with by the Vipers defence.
Vipers nearly punished us when Ssebaggala broke through the middle, but his shot flashed just wide. Moments later, Kagawa forced Mudekereza into a good save with a powerful strike, resulting in another corner for NEC.
In the final moments of the half, a lovely move involving Wandera, Basangwa, and Seremba carved open the Vipers defence. Seremba laid the ball perfectly for Ssekamatte, who unfortunately fired his shot over the bar.
The first half ended goalless, with both sides showing flashes of quality but failing to find the breakthrough.