NEC FC were held to a goalless draw by Mbarara City FC on Friday evening at Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge, with the result extending the Diehards’ unbeaten start to the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season.
The Diehards created the first notable opportunity of the contest in the 13th minute when James Jarieko swung a dangerous ball into the box from the left, but the Mbarara City goalkeeper was equal to the delivery.
Jarieko was involved again in the 24th minute, finding Innocent Media inside the box. Media clinically finished the chance, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Mbarara City responded with a chance of their own in the 39th minute as Brian Aheebwa rose highest to meet a cross, but goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo stood tall to make an important save and keep Nec FC level.
The Diehards were forced into an early change a minute later after Emmanuel Kulanga picked up an injury and was unable to continue. Muhammed Kagawa Ssenoga was introduced in his place.
Neither side could find the breakthrough before the interval, with two minutes of additional time played as the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.
Nec FC made their first changes of the second half in the 59th minute, bringing on Emmanuel Ajo and Allan Mugalu for Innocent Media and Pius Obuya.
Ajo came close to breaking the deadlock in the 74th minute when he rose highest to meet a cross, but his header sailed narrowly wide.
Two more changes followed in the 77th minute, with Enrique Lubwama and Ibrahim Kiyemba making way for Marvin Kavuma and Jacob Okao.
Mbarara City pushed for a late winner, but the NEC FC defence held firm. Three minutes were added at the end of regulation time, but neither side could find the decisive goal.
The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw, with NEC FC taking a point from the trip to Kamwenge and extending their unbeaten run.
The result leaves the Diehards with seven points from their opening three matches, while Mbarara City FC earned their first point of the season.
NEXT UP
NEC FC will now turn their attention to their next league fixture when they host URA FC on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.