NEC FC continued their perfect start to the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Lugazi FC on Tuesday, securing maximum points at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Richard Basangwa opened the scoring early in the second half before Innocent Media came off the bench to score twice and put the game beyond Lugazi’s reach. Richard Ayiko pulled one back for the visitors, but Nec Fc held firm to claim their second consecutive victory.
The opening half was a closely contested affair, with both sides taking time to settle into the contest. Nec FC created promising opportunities but were unable to find the breakthrough.
In the 23rd minute, Enrique Lubwama tested the Lugazi goalkeeper with a powerful effort, but the visitors’ custodian was equal to the attempt.
Theron Diehards came close again three minutes before the interval when Wandera picked out James Jarieko, whose attempted chip was comfortably dealt with by the goalkeeper.
Despite two minutes of added time, neither side could break the deadlock as the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
Nec FC made their first change at the start of the second half, with Innocent Media replacing Allan Mugalu, a decision that would quickly pay dividends.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 52nd minute.
James Jarieko cut the ball back to Richard Basangwa, who made no mistake, firing a superb finish into the top-left corner to give NEC a deserved 1-0 lead.
Five minutes later, Innocent Media announced his arrival in emphatic fashion.
A dangerous delivery from Hannington caused chaos inside the Lugazi penalty area. The visitors’ goalkeeper managed to punch the ball away, but Media was quickest to react, pouncing on the rebound and firing home to double NEC’s advantage.
With Nec FC firmly in control, head coach Kaddu Badru made further changes, introducing Emmanuel Kulanga for Enrique Lubwama in the 68th minute.
The final substitutions followed in the 79th minute, with Dinanga Makenga and Okao Jacob replacing Basangwa and Ibrahim Kiyemba.
Nec FC put the result beyond doubt in the 81st minute.
Kulanga produced a perfectly weighted assist for Media, who kept his composure to fire the ball into the back of the net and complete his brace.
Lugazi managed to find a consolation three minutes later through Richard Ayiko, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
Nec FC remained composed during the closing stages and made their final change in added time, with Enock Tumwesigye coming on for James Jarieko.
The visitors could not find another way through as Nec FC saw out the remaining minutes to register a 3-1 victory.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Nec FC faithful as the Diehards secured another maximum haul.
Media’s outstanding second half performance earned him individual recognition, with the forward named both the Linqsoft Aluminum Man of the Match and the Uganda Prenier League Man of the Match.
The victory means Nec FC now have six points from their opening two matches, maintaining their perfect start to the new campaign.
WHAT THE GAFFER SAID
Next up
NEC FC will now turn their attention to their next league assignment, when they travel to face Mbarara City FC on 11th September 2026 at Rwamwanja Stadium.