NEC FC returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Tuesday evening, delivering a five-star performance to thrash Ntugasaze FC 5-1 at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, in matchday eight of the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
The Diehards entered the encounter desperate for a victory following their previous matchday defeat to league leaders BUL FC, and they responded in style with an impressive attacking display to collect maximum points.
James Jarieko was the standout performer, scoring a brace, while Ibrahim Musa, Fahad Bayo and Marvin Oshaba were also on target as NEC FC bounced back in convincing fashion.
Head coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa made a few changes to his starting lineup, welcoming back goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo between the posts while handing Tonny Atukunda the nod in midfield. Muhammed Kagawa also earned a starting place on the wing.
The match started at a relatively slow pace, with the visitors looking more adventurous in the opening exchanges.
Their early pressure paid off in the fourth minute when Jeremy Otim capitalised on a lapse in the NEC FC defence to put Ntugasaze FC ahead.
The early goal served as a wake-up call for the Diehards, who responded by pushing forward with urgency in search of an equaliser.
In the 13th minute, Ibrahim Musa came close to restoring parity with a powerful effort from range, but the Ntugasaze goalkeeper was equal to the task, denying him and conceding a corner.
Five minutes later, NEC FC found their breakthrough.
Richard Basangwa drove into the box and unleashed a shot that was blocked by the goalkeeper, but Musa reacted quickest to the rebound, firing home to level the score in the 18th minute.
The equaliser lifted the spirits of the home side, who continued to press forward in search of a second goal.
Their persistence paid off just before the break when Basangwa picked out James Jarieko, who showed composure and clinical finishing to tuck the ball into the corner in the 44th minute.
With two minutes added, the referee brought the first half to a close, with NEC FC heading into the break holding a 2-1 advantage.
NEC FC returned from the break determined to extend their lead and put the game beyond the visitors.
Ntugasaze FC struggled to contain the home side’s attacking threat, with Shabene and Gideon Odong receiving yellow cards in the 46th and 59th minutes respectively.
In the 61st minute, coach Kaddu made a triple substitution, introducing Emmanuel Kulanga, Fahad Bayo and Marvin Oshaba for Muhammed Kagawa, Richard Basangwa and Daniel Shabene.
The changes immediately injected fresh energy into the Diehards’ attack.
Six minutes later, Bayo announced his arrival in style.
A beautiful cross from Musa found the forward in the perfect position, and he rose to head the ball into the back of the net in the 67th minute.
It was a perfect connection as Bayo opened his account for the evening, extending NEC FC’s lead to 3-1.
The Diehards continued to dominate, and in the 73rd minute, Jarieko completed his brace with a powerful strike from inside the box, leaving the Ntugasaze goalkeeper with no chance.
The goal took NEC FC’s tally to four and further underlined their dominance in the second half.
Three minutes later, Kaddu made another double substitution, bringing on Enock Tumwesigye and Emmanuel Ajo for Allan Mugalu and James Jarieko.
The changes did little to slow down NEC FC’s attacking momentum.
In the 88th minute, Ajo set up Oshaba, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net to complete the five-star performance.
The fourth official indicated three minutes of added time, but neither side managed to find another goal before the final whistle.
NEC FC had secured a comprehensive 5-1 victory, returning to winning ways in emphatic fashion.
Following his impressive display and brace, James Jarieko was named the Linqsoft Aluminum Man of the Match.
His goals proved crucial in turning the game around and setting NEC FC on their way to a convincing victory.
The result leaves NEC FC third on the league table with 17 points, just two points behind leaders BUL FC.
Next up
The Diehards will now turn their attention to their next fixture, where they will travel to Bukedea to face Blacks Power FC on Saturday, 31st October 2026.