NEC FC continued to show that will not be a push-over for so many teams and occupy the position where they are not by chance but rather hard work and truly deserving.
The Diehards put up a resilient performance to edge KCCA FC and thus complete a double over their neighbours, a result that kept them within touching distance of leaders Vipers SC.
In a closely contested game played at the MTN-Omondi Stadium on Thursday, NEC FC secured a 1-0 win courtesy of Enock Ssebagala’s first-half goal.
The result on the other hand marked a disappointing start to the second round for KCCA FC and tainted their hopes of winning the League, now a distant 13 points behind VIpers SC.
KCCA FC coach Abdallah Mubiru opted to hand South Sudanese teenager Gatbel Yian his debut. In the absence of defenders Gavin Kizito and Hassan Muhamood, Brian Jjara and Filbert Obenchan started at right back and centre back respectively.
NEC FC started the better side and indeed took the lead in the 8th minute through midfielder Ssebagala who rose highest to node home from a well-delivered Geriga Atendele cross.
A quick counterattack released Paul Mucureezi on the right but his attempted lobe over James Mubeezi was dealt with. The winger, however, was able to regain possession and laid the ball to the roving Atendele whose cross was powered into the back of the net by Ssebagala.
Mucureezi saw his headed effort from a corner kick in the 13th minute cleared off the line by Saidi Mayanja and a minute later, goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa made a double save to dent Ssebagala and James Jarieko as NEC kept pilling pressure.
Coach Hussein Mbalangu was dealt a huge blow with defender Atendele forced to come off after sustaining an injury. He was replaced by recruit Ibrahim Musa.
Drama ensued in the 33rd minute when referee Lucky Kasalirwe showed red to NEC FC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo.
The referee adjudged Ssebwalunyo to have held the ball outside the box but video replays instead showed the ball hit his face. The decision was changed after consultations with assistant referee Ronald Katenya.
Despite changes in the second half that saw KCCA FC bring on Sadat Anaku, Umar Lutalo, Bright Anukani and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, the team still struggled to generate attacking opportunities.
NEC FC defended resiliently with Patrick Bayiga and Jacob Okao standing firm to keep a clean sheet.
KCCA FC who are on 24 points, 13 behind Vipers SC will have to switch attention to Sunday’s crucial encounter against the Venoms.
NEC FC on the other hand moved within a point of leaders Vipers SC and will visit Police FC on the same day.
