Allan Mugalu and Marvin Oshaba were on target as NEC FC secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Kigezi Homeboyz FC at Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge on Wednesday, maintaining their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season.
The Diehards delivered a composed performance on the road, scoring once in each half to claim maximum points in their matchday six encounter and strengthen their position among the league’s leading sides.
NEC FC head coach Kaddu made two changes to his starting XI, handing Fahad Bayo his maiden start upfront while Muhammed Kagawa Ssenoga earned a place on the wing.
The diehards started with intent and threatened through their attacking players, with Kagawa combining well with the forward line as NEC FC searched for an early breakthrough.
However, the contest was briefly halted in the 11th minute after Mustafa Mujuzi went down following a head collision with an opponent. The defender was unable to continue, forcing Kaddu into an early change as Jacob Okao came on in the 17th minute.
The Diehards continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 35th minute. Musa delivered a corner into the danger area, where Allan Mugalu rose above the defence to power a header into the net and give NEC FC a deserved 1-0 lead.
Richard Basangwa received a booking in the 38th minute as the visitors sought to maintain their advantage.
Three minutes before the interval, Kagawa produced an excellent cross that picked out Basangwa, but the forward’s towering header narrowly missed the target.
NEC FC went into the break with a slender 1-0 advantage after a disciplined first-half display.
Kaddu made a double substitution at the start of the second half, introducing Marvin Oshaba and Enock Tumwesigye for Fahad Bayo and Enrique Lubwama as NEC FC looked to add to their lead.
The visitors immediately threatened from a set piece in the 50th minute when Gideon Odongo whipped in a corner. Oshaba connected with a header, but a timely clearance by a Kigezi Homeboyz defender denied the Diehards a second goal.
At the other end, goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo produced an excellent full-stretch save in the 51st minute to keep the hosts at bay and preserve NEC FC’s advantage.
The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute when Oshaba announced himself in Diehards colours. Basangwa supplied the assist, and the forward made no mistake with the finish to double NEC FC’s lead and open his scoring account for the club.
It was a significant contribution from the substitute, whose introduction helped the visitors secure greater control of the contest.
A minute later, Kaddu made another double change, bringing on Innocent Media and Pius Obuya for Basangwa and Mugalu.
Despite the hosts’ efforts to respond, NEC FC remained organised at the back and managed the closing stages professionally. Three minutes of additional time were played before the final whistle confirmed a comfortable 2-0 away victory.
COACH’S REACTIONS
The victory takes NEC FC to 14 points from six matches, leaving them second on the Uganda Premier League table, level on points with leaders SC Villa. The two sides are separated by goal difference following Villa’s emphatic victory.
The result also extends NEC FC’s unbeaten run, underlining the Diehards’ consistency as they continue to pursue the top spot in the 18-team competition.
With confidence growing and new attacking options making their mark, NEC FC will now turn their attention to another challenging away assignment.
The Diehards return to action on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, when they visit BUL FC at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.