In a gripping encounter that unfolded at the MTN Omondi Stadium, NEC FC secured a convincing 2-0 victory against Mbarara City, climbing up the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table to the 5th place.
Mbalangu completed a double over another StarTimes UPL club, Mbarara City after goals from Dhata Joseph at the end of the first half and Okocha Rashid in the second half gave us a deserved 2-0 win. The first club to suffer from Mbalangu’s ball home and away was Busoga.
Finishing the first half with a goal;
The game commenced with early pressure from NEC FC, as Wahab’s shot deflected for a corner, setting the tone for an intense battle. Despite a resultant corner that didn’t yield, Mbarara City faced a resilient NEC defense.
In the 13th minute, Mbarara City’s attempt hit the post, marking their best chance of the game.
Kayanja’s near miss heightened the excitement, as he narrowly failed to convert a chance within the Mbarara City box.
Wahab’s shot cleared off the goal line, and Kiyemba’s precise control in the box saw him narrowly miss the target.
The first half reached its climax with a powerful shot from Joseph Dhata, capitalizing on an expertly weighed cross from Odongo, giving NEC FC a well-deserved lead shortly before halftime.
Early second half goal;
The second half saw a brilliant West Nile connection leading to a meticulously built goal through Okocha in the 50th minute. Atendele, the newly signed right-back, showcased his skills with a beautiful dribble, setting up Kayanja, who, with a single touch, allowed Wahab to control the ball setting up Okocha who calmly found the net, sealing NEC FC’s victory.
As the game progressed, with a comfortable two goals lead, Hussein Mbalangu’s strategic game management led NEC FC to a comfortable win, earning us 30 points in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League after just 17 games.
Substitutions in the second half saw Kavuma replacing Kayanja and Ssebaggala replacing Wahab. Unfortunately, Ssebaggala’s involvement in an aerial challenge resulted in an unfortunate injury, prompting his substitution. Allan Mugalu replaced the injured Ssebaggala. In the final substitutions, Kiberu replaced Cromwel, and Wasswa made his debut, replacing Joseph Dhata.
The match concluded with NEC FC celebrating a well-earned victory after 90 minutes of hard work from every player on the pitch. Gaddafi Wahab was named “Man of the Match” on his debut.
What it means;
We mov to the 5th position tied with SC Villa on points with the Joogo’s having superior goal difference.
What next;
We are preparing for an away game against UPDF on Tuesday 13, February 2024 at the Bombo Military Barracks in Bombo for our matchday18.
NEC FC looks forward to continued success in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, building on this impressive performance. The thoughts of the entire NEC FC community are with Ssebaggala, awaiting a medical report on his condition after the unfortunate incident during the game.