We’re looking forward to leapfroging Vipers SC, who have ascended to the summit after their 3-1 win against Mbarara City, and regain our lead at the top of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League as we visit Lugazi Football Club.
A win will put us back in first place, a position we aim to maintain throughout the season.The Diehards, head to Najjembe with us trailing Vipers by just one point, after Vipers collected three points at Kakyeka by defeating Mbarara City 3-1.
Maximum points at Lugazi FC Stadium will allow us to regain our spot at the top of the table and continue our strong start to the season.
This will be our first-ever clash with Lugazi FC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. Previously, we’ve met twice in the FUFA Big League, with each side winning once away from home. Our first visit to Najjembe resulted in a 1-0 victory, a crucial win that contributed to our promotion to the StarTimes UPL. Unfortunately, Lugazi did not manage enough points to join us in promotion that season.
About Lugazi FC
With just 5 points from a possible 18, Lugazi has faced a challenging start to life in the StarTimes UPL. They’ve collected just 2 points from their first 5 games, earning notable draws against Vipers and Mbale Heroes while losing their other three matches.
This performance led to the departure of head coach Sadic Ssempiji, who was replaced on an interim basis by the historic Oliver Mbekeka. On their 6th game of the season, Oliver leading the team, they secured a 1-0 win against Express to make their tally rise to five points.
After securing Lugazi FC’s first-ever UPL win, Mbekeka was subsequently relieved of her duties as Steven Bogere was appointed on a one contract.
Facts and Stats
– This will be our first meeting with Lugazi FC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, while they debut in the league and we enjoy our second season.
– Overall, this will be our third encounter, having previously met in the FUFA Big League, with NEC winning 1-0 at Najjembe and Lugazi taking the return leg 2-1 in Bugolobi.
– Lugazi has scored 2 goals and conceded 6 so far, while NEC has scored 11 goals and conceded only 5.
– We lead the table with 15 points, 10 points ahead of Lugazi FC.
Team News
Watch here what the Head Coach Mbalangu Hussein had to say ahead of this game: https://youtu.be/4whJWavEuBs