NEC FC produced a dominant display at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Tuesday, securing an emphatic 4-1 victory over URA FC in Matchday 4 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.
The Diehards fell behind as early as the first minute but responded with character and attacking intent to overturn the deficit and claim all three points in style.
URA FC took the lead as early as the 1st minute when Isma Mugulusi found the back of the net, giving the visitors an early advantage.
The setback did little to unsettle NEC FC, who quickly took control of proceedings. In the 6th minute, Richard Basangwa was brought down on the right flank, earning NEC a corner. Ibrahim Kiyemba delivered into the box, but the Diehards could not capitalise.
NEC’s pressure eventually paid off in the 14th minute. Emmanuel Ajo picked out James Jarieko, who made no mistake with the finish to level the contest at 1-1.
The hosts continued to dictate the game. Jarieko was brought down in the 18th minute, presenting NEC with a free-kick opportunity. Gideon Odongo delivered a dangerous ball, but the URA goalkeeper punched it away.
Odongo was booked in the 19th minute, while Jarieko also received a yellow card in the 26th minute.
NEC continued creating chances, with Basangwa finding Kiyemba in the 29th minute. Kiyemba met the ball first-time but sent his effort narrowly over the crossbar.
The Diehards’ persistence was rewarded in the 41st minute when they completed the turnaround. Enrique Lubwama showed composure to evade the URA goalkeeper before setting up Richard Basangwa, who calmly fired home to make it 2-1.
Two minutes later, NEC extended their advantage.
A beautifully worked move saw Ajo’s effort crash against the woodwork, but Lubwama reacted quickest to the rebound and fired into the net to register his first goal in NEC FC colours and make it 3-1.
With two minutes added at the end of the first half, NEC FC went into the break holding a comfortable 3-1 advantage.
The Diehards resumed the second half with the same attacking intensity and added a fourth goal in the 50th minute.
Basangwa struck again, combining brilliantly with Lubwama in a slick one-touch move before finishing to complete his brace and put NEC 4-1 ahead.
Head coach made a triple substitution in the 57th minute, bringing on Dinanga Makenga, Jacob Okao and Shamir Kimwero for Ibrahim Kiyemba, James Jarieko and Allan Mugalu.
Marvin Kavuma replaced Emmanuel Ajo in the 75th minute, while Ssenoga Kagawa came on for Basangwa in the 82nd minute as NEC managed the game comfortably.
URA had little response as the Diehards remained firmly in control. In the 89th minute, Shabene tried his luck from long range, but his effort sailed over the bar.
Three minutes of additional time were added, but there was no further change to the scoreline as the final whistle confirmed a commanding 4-1 victory for the diehards.
Lubwama’s contribution did not go unnoticed. For his brilliant performance, which included his first goal in NEC FC colors and 2 assists, Enrique Lubwama was named the Linqsoft Aluminum Man of the Match.
The result takes NEC FC to second place on the 18-team StarTimes Uganda Premier League table with 10 points, just two points behind leaders BUL FC.
The Diehards will now head into the international break with confidence before returning to league action on Thursday, 8 October, when they host Express FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium.