NEC FC made a statement on the opening day of the 2026/27 Startimes Uganda Premier League season, defeating KCCA FC 0-2 in a commanding Lugogo Derby victory at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
The Diehards produced a disciplined and composed performance from the opening whistle, with goals from Richard Basangwa and Pius Obuya securing maximum points and giving NEC the perfect start to the new campaign.
The victory also marked a memorable moment for Obuya, who scored his first goal as a Diehard in spectacular fashion.
Nec FC started brightly and took the lead in the fifth minute through Basangwa.
It was a superb team move, with Basangwa finding Jarieko, who drove forward before returning the ball into the path of the forward. Basangwa made no mistake, emphatically finishing the move to put NEC 0-1 ahead.
The Diehards continued to threaten, with Basangwa again at the heart of the action in the 20th minute. He made a brilliant run before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but there was no teammate available to meet it. Kagawa eventually got on the end of the ball but sent his effort over the target.
The hosts attempted to respond, but NEC’s defence remained resolute. Goalkeeper Ssebwalunyo was particularly impressive, dealing confidently with KCCA’s attacking efforts.
After the first cooling break, KCCA tried to create opportunities through crosses, but Ssebwalunyo was equal to the challenge, coming off his line to clear the danger.
The goalkeeper produced another crucial intervention in first-half stoppage time, stretching to keep the hosts at bay and ensuring NEC went into the break with a 0-1 advantage.
Nec FC returned for the second half with changes, as Shamir Kimwero and Marvin Kavuma replaced Kagawa Ssenoga and Daniel Shabene.
The game remained competitive, with both sides battling for control. Lubwama Enrique received a booking in the 67th minute before another hydration break offered both teams an opportunity to regroup.
The gaffer made a second double substitution in the 71st minute, introducing Pius Obuya and Jacob Okao for Lubwama Enrique and Ibrahim Kiyemba.
KCCA continued searching for an equaliser, but NEC’s defensive organisation stood firm. In the 76th minute, the hosts unleashed a powerful effort towards goal, only for Ssebwalunyo to once again deny them.
With six minutes of normal time remaining, Basangwa was withdrawn and replaced by Emmanuel Ajo, bringing an end to an outstanding individual performance from the forward.
Just when it appeared the game would finish with a narrow NEC victory, Pius Obuya produced a moment of brilliance in the second minute of added time.
Spotting the KCCA goalkeeper off his line, Obuya unleashed a stunning strike from the centre of the pitch that sailed over the stranded goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
The spectacular finish doubled our advantage to 0-2 and effectively put the result beyond doubt.
When the final whistle sounded, Nec FC had secured all three points and completed a memorable opening-day victory over their city rivals.
POST MATCH REACTION
BASANGWA NAMED MAN OF THE MATCH
Following his influential display, Richard Basangwa was named the Linqsoft Aluminum Man of the Match.
His early goal, movement, link-up play and attacking threat played a key role in NEC’s impressive derby triumph.
The three points give the Diehards an ideal start to the 2026/27 Startimes Uganda Premier League campaign as the team now turns its attention to the next challenge.
Next up: Lugazi FC
Nec FC will return to league action on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, when the Diehards host Lugazi FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.