Police Held NEC to Goalless Draw in Tense Encounter
November 5, 2024
In a tightly contested fixture, NEC Football Club shared points with Police Football Club in a goalless draw, in Matchday8 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, in a match filled with dramatic moments and missed opportunities.
Prior to kickoff, a moment of silence was observed in honor of Assistant Referee Kabugo Peter, who tragically passed away last week during the SC Villa vs UPDF FC game.
First Half Highlights:
The game started with a push for an opener with both sides pushing for an opener and it was Eragu Gabriel’s shot narrowly missing the target just 11 minutes threatening Hannington in our goal.
Five minutes later, Cromwell Rwothomio forced a save from Police FC goalkeeper Kasibante Edward, while Isaac Ogwang’s attempt went wide soon after.
One of the game’s most contentious moments came in the 24th minute when Gideon Odongo’s header found the back of the net from a perfectly delivered Muzamiru Mutyaba free kick. However, the goal was disallowed by referee Sabila, sparking debate on what could have been NEC’s breakthrough.
In the 40th minute, Police FC made an early substitution, bringing on Stephen Kabuye for Eyam as the halftime whistle sounded with both teams deadlocked at 0-0.
Second Half Action:
We made a tactical adjustment at the restart, with Rashid Okocha coming on for Patrick Bayiga to send Odongo Gideon into a central defense pairing with Okao while Okocha occupied the left back. Police FC also introduced Denis Kalanzi in place of Ben Ochen.
With just three minutes into the second half, Cromwel took a beautiful shot after a well-placed pass from Jerieko, who received a quick throw-in from Okocha. The shot is blocked to get us a corner, but Odongo headed it over the bar.
Two minutes later, Police midfielder Steven Kabuye was booked for a reckless challenge, setting the tone for an intense half.
In the 58th minute, NEC’s Ibrahim Thembo was stretchered off due to injury, replaced by Kimwero Shamir.
We made another double substitution in the 76th minute, with Muzamiru Mutyaba and Mucureezi making way for Wahab Gaddafi and Kavuma Marvin, seeking a fresh spark in attack. Defender Gideon Odongo was later cautioned in the 78th minute for halting a promising attack from Police. Police then substituted Samuel Kayongo for Ryan Kizito Figo, adding defensive reinforcement. Eight minutes from time, NEC came closest to breaking the deadlock when Enock Ssebaggala’s powerful shot struck the upright, having been set-up by Kavuma Marvin!
Final Whistle and Standings. Despite both teams creating chances, the match ended goalless, with our first draw of the campaign and grabbing the second place on the table with 16 points from eight matches. Police FC sits sixth with 11 points.
We shall be paying a visit to our landlord KCCA FC in our next fixture after the international break!
Man of the Match: Jarieko James
