MATCH REPORT: NEC 2-0 UPDF

NEC FC clinches victory with Rwothomio and Ssebaggala goals.

In an exhilarating showdown, NEC FC emerged triumphant against UPDF with a final score of 2-0.

The game kicked off with NEC FC applying relentless pressure on our opponents. Allan Mugalu, with impressive control, received a through ball but narrowly missed the mark with his shot, sending the ball over the crossbar.

Undeterred, our team continued to exert pressure, and Barni delivered a well-placed cross. Unfortunately, Rwothomio couldn’t connect with the ball before receiving a remarkable pass that he struck with a powerful left-footed shot, only to be denied by the post and a subsequent clearance.

In quick succession, Kayanja headed a cross from Okocha just over the bar, and he missed the target again, this time from Thembo’s free-kick.

Before the half-hour mark, Rwothomio found the back of the net, providing us with a well-deserved lead. The goal came after Allan Mugalu appeared to be fouled in the box. Rwothomio almost extended our lead, but his attempt was cleared off the line. Allan Mugalu made another close attempt, but his shot just sailed over the bar. The first half ended with a 1-0 lead in our favour.

The second half:

The second half commenced with a powerful shot from Ssebaggala Enock that the goalkeeper struggled to deal with, resulting in the ball finding the back of the net, doubling our lead.

Just ten minutes into the second half, the coach made three strategic substitutions, introducing Kavuma, Odongo, and Shamir in place of Barni, Kayanja, and Ssebaggala.

Rwothomio remained a constant threat, testing the opposing goalkeeper and forcing him into several saves. We conceded a penalty after Okocha brought down an opponent in the box, but the penalty taker sent the ball wide.

The coach made two more changes, bringing in Kaye and Sserunkuuma for Okocha and Rwothomio.

Kavuma received a through ball in the box but was denied the time to take a shot, and the ball was deflected into a corner.

Sserunkuuma made two promising attempts, one with a diving header and the other with a powerful shot, but both narrowly missed the target.

The final whistle blew, securing a 2-goal victory on an exciting evening with Allan Mugalu being name mane of the match for his exceptional display.

Team News:

Starting XI: 1 Samson Kiirya, 22 Ronald Ogenga Owiny, 3 Tah Barni Kelvin, 5 Ibrahim Thembo, 9 Cromwel Rwothomio, 10 Allan Mugalu, 12 Brian Kayanja, 14 Dhata Joseph Stephen Lujang, 19 John Paul Acire, 21 Rashid Okocha, 24 Enock Ssebaggala.

Used Substitutes:

 29 Ronald Kaye, Geofrey Serunkuma, 8 Marvin Kavuma, 13 Shamir Kimwero, 17 Gideon Odongo.

Unused Substitutes:

2 Michael Okiria, 6 Sulaiman Ssesaazi, 11 Farouk Ssekayi, 16 Innocent Ramos Asiimwe, 27 Angello Ssempijja, 28 Ivan Kamoga, 30 Julious Magu Kazibwe.

Coach’s Reaction:

“It was crucial for us to secure this victory and return to our winning ways. The team played with the spirit and style we aim for, and it was fantastic to see Rwothomio and Ssebaggala on the scoresheet. Rwothomio, in particular, had just joined the team, making this his first game, while Ssebaggala made a remarkable comeback from injury and contributed to our victory. We are now gearing up for the next game, fully aware of its significance, and will prepare accordingly.”

Upnext:

We face KCCA on Thursday 26.10.2023 at the MTN Omondi Stadium with click off at 18:30 for our matchday5.