An eventful evening of football concluded in a 2-2 draw, draw despite the efforts and desire for a decider by both sides.
UPDF took the lead in the first half with a Kabuye Bashir header at the near post in the 42nd minute. However, fifteen minutes into the second half, super-sub Captain Kavuma Marvin made a significant impact, converting a penalty to level the score. Shortly after, he assisted Cromwel, who scored to give NEC the lead.
With 20 minutes remaining, Christopher Kawagu converted a penalty to equalize, bringing the scoring to a close for Matchday 18 in Bombo.
Slow start
We got off to a slow start with UPDF enjoying a huge share of possession and causing us numerous problems which our defense delt well with.
The home side looked determined to collect maximum points at their home yard, and their first attempt saw Benjamin Ochan put a heavy shot into the corner on his right-hand side pole.
As the game grew, we gained a bit of confidence and our first chance of the game came in the 13’ with the goalkeeper Anyama putting Cromwel’s header into the corner after a beautiful delivery from Shamir.
UPDF kept compiling pressure which eventually paid off when Kabuye Bashir headed the home side into a lead with just three minutes into the halftime break. Mawejje had a chance for UPDF to double after rushing onto a through ball into the right wing, but his decision making saved us and the referee called the first half to and end with NEC trailing.
Super-sub
At the restart of the second half, Kavuma Marvin replaced Kayanja Brian to partner Cromwel upfront while Kaye Ronald took Acire’s place in the left wing. Having been introduced, Kavuma wanted to make instant impact and just six minutes he had already made an attempt on the goal, firing a had shot only for him to miss the target, hitting the bar and the ball went out.
This just got him started as he catalyzed the interplay, and our game changed, with him combining well with both Dhata on the right and Kaye down the left. This involvement resulted into a penalty, which he converted sending Anyama the wrong way to equalize.
Before the fans would settle from celebrating the equalizer, Kavuma set up Cromwel who fired home to give us the lead within just 3 minutes. The joy of the lead was short lived as we conceded a penalty after a handball in the 70th minute.
As the game went, Kavuma’s influence continued and had a shot blocked by Vuni (which block accompanied by his aerial clearances earned him man of the match) which denied him a goal. In the 3 added minutes, Kavuma beat his marker to cheap a teasing ball into the box with the aim on the goal but Cromwel was just microsecond late to head home.
The match concluded in a 2-2 draw, with Kavuma showcasing his super-sub status in the second round.
What it means:
The draw propelled NEC to 31 points, moving them into 4th place ahead of SC Villa.
What next:
Looking ahead, Mbalangu and his team will face Acholi United in the StarTimes Uganda Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at the MTN Omondi Stadium – Lugogo.
Team News:
A notable highlight was the inclusion of Kulanga Emmanuel, a graduate of the FUFA Juniors League, featuring in the matchday squad for the first time.
Starting XI: Benjamin Ochan (Gk), Atendere Geriga, Odongo Gideon, Kiyemba Ibrahim, Mubutu Gavin, Shamiru Kimwero, Dhata Joseph, Wahabu Gaddafi, Cromwell Rothomeo, Kayanja Brian, Acire John Paul
Used substitutes: Kaye Ronald, Kavuma Marvin, Mugalu Allan, and Asiimwe Innocent
Unused substitutes: Kiirya Samson, Waswa Kasirye, Kelvin Berni, Thembo Ibrahim, Kulanga Emmanuel, Kiberu Tony, Hamuza Ssempa, Tevin Kevin Kyeyune
The compilation is superb thanks for such observations.