NEC FC’s brave run in the Stanbic Uganda Cup came to a heartbreaking end as we were eliminated by Vipers SC on penalties following a hard-fought 0-0 draw after 120 minutes.
The tie remained goalless throughout a competitive 90 minutes and 30 minutes of extra time, with both sides creating promising chances but lacking the clinical finish needed to break the deadlock. In the end, it was decided from the spot, where Vipers edged us 4-3.
First Half
The game burst into life inside the opening minute when Basangwa tested the Vipers defence with an early strike that flashed just wide. Vipers responded with a free-kick on the edge of the box, but our wall stood firm.
We won the first corner of the match on the right flank; Wandera delivered, and Kagawa rose to meet it, only to fire over the bar. Goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunnyo was alert early on, comfortably claiming a dangerous cross. Usama produced an acrobatic bicycle kick from a Ssebaggala delivery, but it sailed wide.
The half settled into a balanced affair. NEC looked lively on the counter, with Kimwero and Kagawa combining well — the latter’s dangerous cross narrowly evading Ssekamatte. Another corner followed, but the danger was cleared.
Vipers threatened when Ssebaggala broke through the middle, yet his shot went just wide. Kagawa then unleashed a powerful drive that forced Vipers goalkeeper Mudekereza into a good save.
A slick move in the closing stages saw Wandera switch play to Basangwa, who set up Seremba. His clever lay-off found Ssekamatte, but the striker fired over the bar. The teams went in level at the break.
Second Half and Extra Time
After 12 minutes of the second half, we made changes to freshen the attack, introducing Kulanage Emmanuel and Innocent Media in place of Kimwero Shamir and Ssekamatte Samuel.
NEC continued to press. Kagawa earned a free-kick that Wandera took quickly, finding Basangwa, whose header found the net — only for the flag to rule it offside. Moments later, Basangwa was fouled on the edge of the box; Wandera’s curling free-kick was superbly struck and almost kissed the crossbar.
Hannington Ssebwalunnyo produced vital interventions, first racing off his line to clear a dangerous ball being chased by Milton Karisa, then standing tall to calmly collect another free-kick from Karisa.
Allan Mugalu replaced Seremba Joseph as we searched for a winner. Late in the game, Odongo suffered an injury and was replaced by Pius Obuya, while Jarieko James came on for Richard Basangwa.
Despite sustained pressure and several half-chances, neither side could find the breakthrough. The match went into extra time, but the additional 30 minutes also ended goalless.
Penalty Shoot-Out
With the tie level after 120 minutes, the outcome was decided from the penalty spot.
Hannington Ssebwalunnyo delivered a heroic performance in goal, saving one of Vipers’ penalties and confidently converting our final kick of the five. However, Warren Buule and Pius Obuya were unable to score their spot-kicks. Vipers held their nerve to win the shoot-out 4-3.
It was a valiant effort from the lads, who showed great character, organisation and attacking intent against a strong Vipers side. While the result is disappointing, we can take pride in a competitive display that pushed the tie all the way to penalties.
Our journey in the Stanbic Uganda Cup ends here, but the focus now shifts fully to the league campaign.