NEC FC will be aiming to maintain its perfect start to the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season when the Diehards visit Mbarara City FC on Friday, September 11th, at Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge.
The Diehards head into Matchday 3 full of confidence after collecting maximum points from their opening two fixtures.
NEC FC opened its campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over KCCA FC in the Lugogo derby before following it up with a 3-1 triumph against Lugazi FC at home. The two victories have left the Diehards with six points from two matches, and the team will be looking to extend its winning momentum as it pursues its targets for the 2026/27 campaign.
Mbarara City, meanwhile, will be searching for their first points of the season. The Ankole Lions have played just one match so far, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Police FC on Matchday 1.
Their Matchday 2 fixture against Kitara FC was postponed after Kitara’s continental engagements, leaving Mbarara City with a game in hand and still pointless heading into Friday’s encounter.
With both sides having different objectives, the contest promises to be an intriguing battle, with Mbarara City determined to get their campaign up and running while NEC FC look to continue their strong start.
WHAT THE MANAGER SAID
“We have a motive of going against any challenger and we shall put up a good show against Mbarara City,” Head Coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa said ahead of the encounter.
TEAM NEWS
NEC FC will continue to be without forward Fahad Bayo, who is recovering from a muscle strain. The forward has resumed light training as he continues his rehabilitation.
Defender Ibrahim Musa will also miss the fixture after sustaining a knee injury involving a partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). He remains in rehabilitation as he works towards his return to action.
Richard Basangwa is another absentee after picking up an injury.
Defender Hakim Wandera and goalkeeper Gilbert Mazige will also miss the trip due to national team commitments. The pair are with the Uganda U20 national team as they prepare for the AFCON U20 CECAFA qualifiers.
On a positive note, Muhammed Kagawa Ssenoga has returned and is available for selection ahead of the clash. The rest of the squad is in good shape as the Diehards prepare to face the Ankole Lions.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Friday’s fixture will be the seventh meeting between NEC FC and Mbarara City FC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
The head-to-head record heavily favours the Diehards, who have won all six of the previous encounters between the two sides.
NEC FC will therefore be looking to extend that perfect record while securing a third consecutive victory of the new campaign.
MATCHDAY DETAILS
Mbarara City FC vs NEC FC
Competition: StarTimes Uganda Premier League 2026/27
Matchday: 3
Date: Friday, September 11th, 2026
Venue: Rwamwanja Stadium, Kamwenge