NEC FC were held to a goalless draw by Express FC in a tightly contested Matchday 5 encounter of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Thursday night.
The fixture marked NEC FC’s first match under the floodlights this season and their first competitive outing following the international break.
The Diehards started brightly and created the first notable opportunity in the eighth minute when Enrique Lubwama delivered a dangerous corner that was met by Allan Mugalu, but his header was comfortably gathered by the Express goalkeeper.
James Jarieko was booked in the 13th minute before Emmanuel Ajo came close six minutes later, whipping a cross towards Jarieko, whose touch narrowly missed the ball.
NEC FC continued to push for the opener and won a free kick just outside the box in the 23rd minute after Richard Basangwa was brought down. Gideon Odongo stepped up, but his effort was punched away by the Express goalkeeper. Lubwama reacted quickest to the rebound, though his follow-up effort went wide.
Express FC threatened from distance in the 32nd minute, but goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo stood tall to keep the visitors at bay.
Five minutes before the break, NEC FC produced another promising attack. Mugalu found Basangwa, who skilfully danced past his marker before firing towards goal, only for the Express goalkeeper to make another important save and turn the effort behind for a corner.
Mugalu was booked in the 42nd minute as both sides went into the interval level at 0-0.
NEC FC returned for the second half looking for the breakthrough, with Basangwa testing his luck from range in the 50th minute, although his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Head coach made the first change seven minutes later, introducing Innocent Media for Ajo. Fahad Bayo was then brought on for Lubwama in the 65th minute as NEC FC continued to search for a winning goal.
With 12 minutes remaining, Marvin Kavuma and Pius Obuya entered the fray, replacing Basangwa and Jarieko respectively.
Despite late efforts from both sides, neither team could find the decisive goal. Two minutes of additional time were played before the referee brought the contest to an end.
The goalless draw sees NEC FC return to second position with 11 points, level on points with third-placed SC Villa but ahead on goal difference.
The Manager’s Reactions.
The Diehards will now turn their attention to their next league assignment, a trip to Kamwenge to face Kigezi HomeBoyz on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at Rwamwanja Stadium.