NEC FC needed to dig deep to overcome Kitara FC as the two teams faced off on Thursday in Lugogo.
In a closely contested game, NEC FC came from a goal down to edge visiting Kitara FC 2-1 to keep their title hopes alive.
The Diehards had to do the job with a player less following the sending off of midfielder Enock Ssebagala early on in the second half.
NEC FC came into this game on the back of a goalless draw at UPDF FC, a result that threw a spanner in their works.
Therefore, today’s game was a must-win affair to close the gap on runaway leaders Vipers SC who they face next week in Kitende.
Kitara had an impressive start, getting the lead in the 9th minute through Living Kabon who headed home from close range.
The winger ran at the back post to head home from Titus Ssematimba’s floated cross from the left wing.
The lead was, however, short-lived with NEC FC making an instant response almost in a similar manner.
Paul Mucureezi ran to the byline before crossing the ball at the back post and this was headed by Marvin Kavuma into the path of Muzamiru Mutyaba to tap home.
Ssebagala was shown marching orders in the 52nd minute for a second bookable offence on Jude Ssemugabi. He had already been booked at the stroke of halftime.
Despite playing with a man less, NEC FC remained composed and kept making inroads towards Kitara’s goal.
With three minutes to play, NEC FC got the winner through skipper Kavuma who was at the end of Emmanuel Ajo’s cross.
Ajo crossed the ball into the area and Kavuma was well-positioned to head the ball past goalkeeper Crispus Kusiima.
The result takes NEC FC up to 51 points, one behind Vipers SC who play Express FC on Friday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Kitara FC, on the other hand, remain 5th on the table with 35 points from 23 games.
