Charles Waibi scored the only goal as Kaddu Badru Mukasa recorded the first win of his tenure at the helm of NEC FC as we overcame a resilient Calvary.
We claimed our first home victory of the 2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Calvary FC, but it was the bold second-half tactical reshuffle that turned a frustrating evening into three precious points.
All level at half-time
The opening 45 minutes were a tale of near-misses and stout defending. We started brightly yet struggled to find the killer touch. Hannington Ssebwalunyo’s superb 11th-minute save denied Calvary an early breakthrough, while Mustafa Kizza twice went close – a free-kick that crashed against the crossbar in the 41st minute the pick of the bunch. An early injury to Siraje Sentamu forced Shamir Kimwero into the fray, but at the break it remained goalless despite the Diehards shading possession and territory.
An improved second half
Whatever was said in the dressing room clearly worked wonders.
Coach KB wasted no time in the second half, immediately withdrawing Cromwell Rwothomio and Mustafa Kizza for Innocent Media and Muzamir Mutyaba. The injection of fresh legs and attacking intent transformed the game. Media almost scored with his first touch in the 51st minute, meeting a delicious Charles Waibi cut-back only to be denied by a fine save.
The momentum was building. On the hour mark KB rolled the dice again, introducing Marvin Kavuma for Allan Mugalu and Paul Mucureezi for Joseph Dhata. The impact was almost instant.
In the 72nd minute the new energy paid dividends in spectacular fashion: Marvin Kavuma, brimming with confidence on the right flank, picked up possession and whipped in a pinpoint low cross. Innocent Media showed superb awareness to dummy the ball and let it run across the six-yard box, completely wrong-footing the Calvary defence. Arriving perfectly on the surge was Charles Waibi, who after beating his marker smashed home an unstoppable shot send us into the lead.
All that was left was managing the game, and the players on the pitch, just did this superbly well with Hannington Ssebwalunyo standing firm between the posts to deny the visitors n equalizer and keep a cleansheet.
Linqsoft Man of the Match.
Charles Waibi – Took his goal brilliantly and was a constant menace all night at just in attack but also defending wise, tracking back on the left franks. He played all the 90 minutes as and was deservingly voted the Linqsoft Alluminium Man of the Match.
What it means
We jump to the nineth position after accumulating 9 points from 7 games and will be looking forward to continuing this form when we take on Maroons on Saturday 29th November 2025 in Luzira.
Watch here the reaction from Coach KB: