We conclude the first round with a victory, amassing a solid 33 points in the first round of the 2024/25 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season.
What happened:
Ssebaggala’s 35th-minute strike was all it took to secure the full three points at Mbale City Stadium, where we battled past a determined Mbale Heroes side. This win narrows the gap to just one point behind the league leaders.
How it happed:
Coach Mbalangu Hussein made a solitary change to the Starting XI that triumphed over Mbarara City on Saturday, with Ajo Emmanuel stepping in for Jarieko James. The midfield trio of Kimwero, Ssebaggala, and Mutyaba remained unchanged, keeping the rest of the lineup intact.
The team was eager to score early, with Ssebaggala, Mutyaba, Mucureezi and Ajo pushing forward. We earned an early free-kick, which was quickly taken but deflected for a corner. Odongo delivered a well-weighed ball, but Okao’s header soared over the bar.
The hunt for the opener persisted; Mucureezi was fouled on the right wing, earning another free-kick. Mutyaba’s delivery was cleared for a throw-in.
Soon after, Mucureezi set up Atendele, who sent in a promising cross, but the header went over. Following another advance, Mucureezi’s shot was blocked, and Cromwell’s subsequent attempt flew over the bar.
After some excellent interplay in midfield, Ssebaggala found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a shot that nestled directly into the back of the net, giving us the lead! This was the goal that won us three points. The rest of the remaining minutes both in the first and second half were about game management which we executed well.
In the second half, Coach Mbalangu made some tactical adjustments, introducing a triple substitution of Muganda Allan, Okocha Rashid and Jarieko James replacing Muzamiru Mutyaba, Emmanuel Ajo and Paul Mucureezi respectively.
On separate occasions, two more substitutions were made; Cromwel Rwothomio being replaced by Niwamanya Dickson and Ssebaggala rested for Wahab Gadafi.
Linqsoft Man of the Match
Kimwero Shamir 13 was awarded the Linqsoft Man of the Match, following his stellar performance. He effectively shielded the defense, preventing any goals, and was instrumental in launching several attacks, including providing the crucial assist for Ssebaggala’s match-winning goal.
What it means:
We conclude the first round with 33 points from 15 matches, which could have been a maximum of 45. This tally comes from 10 victories, 3 draws, and 2 losses. See the table here: https://necfcuganda.com/table/premier-league-2024/
What’s next:
We get back on the field in the Stanbic Uganda Cup, facing off against UCU FC in Mbale for the Round of 64, as we kick off our campaign to win this championship.