NEC FC moved to second place on the Startimes Uganda Premier League table after securing a hard-fought 0-1 victory over Blacks Power FC at the Bukedea Comprehensive School (BCS) Sports Complex on Saturday.
A first-half header from Fahad Bayo proved decisive as the Diehards claimed maximum points in a closely contested Matchday 9 encounter.
Both sides entered the contest seeking maximum points, but the opening exchanges were played at a slow pace, with neither team managing to create clear-cut scoring opportunities.
NEC FC gradually grew into the game, with James Jarieko attempting to break the deadlock in the 31st minute, only for his effort to sail wide.
The Diehards continued to push forward, earning their first corner of the evening in the 36th minute. Hakim Wandera delivered, but NEC FC failed to find the finishing touch.
Four minutes later, Jacob Okao tried his luck from distance, forcing the Blacks Power goalkeeper into a save that resulted in another corner. Wandera once again delivered, with Allan Mugalu getting his head to the ball, but the hosts managed to keep it out of the net.
However, the breakthrough finally arrived just before halftime.
In the 45th minute, Wandera delivered a perfectly weighted corner into the box, where Fahad Bayo rose highest to power a header into the back of the net, sending NEC FC into the break with a slender 0-1 lead.
Two minutes were added at the end of the first half, with the Diehards heading into the dressing room having taken the advantage.
Blacks Power FC returned for the second half determined to get back into the contest, but NEC FC remained disciplined at the back.
In the 50th minute, goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo produced a timely save, denying the hosts and keeping the Diehards’ advantage intact.
Coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa made his first changes in the 61st minute, introducing Emmanuel Ajo and Shamir Kimwero for Fahad Bayo and Daniel Shabene as he sought to maintain the team’s energy and control.
Wandera was booked in the 66th minute as the contest continued to intensify.
Three minutes later, NEC FC made another double substitution, with Enrique Lubwama and Marvin Oshaba coming on for Allan Mugalu and James Jarieko.
Oshaba had an opportunity to extend the Diehards’ lead in the 78th minute, but his effort was comfortably gathered by the hosts’ goalkeeper.
Bayo, who had already been substituted, was shown a yellow card on the bench in the 80th minute.
The Diehards’ task became more challenging in the 86th minute when Hakim Wandera was shown a red card, reducing NEC FC to ten men for the closing stages.
Coach Kaddu made his final change in the 88th minute, bringing on Enock Tumwesigye for Richard Basangwa as NEC FC sought to protect their narrow advantage.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Diehards remained resolute and managed the closing minutes with composure.
With two minutes added, NEC FC held on to their slim lead to secure a crucial 0-1 victory and claim all three points from Bukedea.
Having scored the decisive goal, Fahad Bayo was named the Linqsoft Aluminum Man of the Match.
The forward’s match-winning header took his goal tally to two this season, underlining his growing contribution to the Diehards’ campaign.
Match Highlights
The victory lifted NEC FC to second place on the Startimes Uganda Premier League table with 20 points, just one point behind leaders SC Villa.
The Diehards are level on points with third-placed BUL FC but occupy the higher position on goal difference.
With the league campaign continuing to gather momentum, the result marks another important step for NEC FC as they look to maintain their push at the top of the table.
What the Manager Said
Next Up
NEC FC will return to action on Tuesday, 3rd November, when they host UPDF FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The Matchday 10 encounter is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 PM, with the Diehards aiming to build on their Bukedea victory and continue their climb up the league standings.