Overview:
There have been three league meetings since NEC gained promotion last season with either side winning once [D1]
Thursday April 17, 2025
- St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende 7pm
Definitely the biggest match this match day and possibly of the season given the clubs are separated by only two points at the top of the table.
If Vipers are to reclaim the title from current champions SC Villa, they have to beat NEC in front of their fans at Kitende, a place they have not lost a game so far this season.
On the other hand, NEC who are aiming for their maiden league crown must avoid defeat at Kitende if they are to remain in the title race with six games left to end the season.
Big talking point has been a stern warning from NEC coach Hussein Mbalangu who in the aftermath of his side’s win over Kitara vowed to go to Kitende and win.
“We shall go and beat him (Vipers) from there (Kitende),” he stated after citing unfair officiation in that game which saw his playmaker Enock Ssebagala sent off and thus will miss the trip to Kitende.
Vipers’ go into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw with Express in which they came from two goals down to earn a point late in the game while NEC despite going a man down moments after the first half won 2-1 against Kitara at Lugogo.
Fred Muhumuzza is confident in his lads given the experience of featuring in such games and says the game is no different from any other despite the hype.
“The game has been hyped but it’s a game like any other Uganda Premier League game,” said Muhumuzza. “We know a lot has been said, but the game of football is a practical one. Our players have the experienced to handle such games,” he added.
Tactical Analysis – How will both teams line up.
John Ayala and Fred Muhumuzza are likely to keep a lot of their key players but question marks over who leads the line and the right back position still linger.
Grant Matsiko didn’t do well against Express and so did experienced Nicholas Wadada versus SC Villa – two matches in which they were both exposed.
Upfront, new signing Isaac Ogwang didn’t cover himself in glory since he signed and the return of Karisa could give the coaching staff some decision to make.
For Hussein Mbalangu, the absence of star man Enock Ssebagala means he has to make a choice between starting Allan Mugalu and Gaddafi Wahab in the eight role alongside Kitende graduate Thembo Ibrahim.
Player to watch
Allan Okello has been a savior for the Venoms in almost all matches this season and will be the go-to man for the hosts while the visitors will hope former Vipers player Paul Mucureezi shows up with the zeal, attitude and character which he has shown in the previous matches.
Key Stats
- There have been three league meetings since NEC gained promotion last season with either side winning once [D1]
- Vipers are unbeaten in 11 home league matches this season [W8, D3] while NEC have won just 4 away matches this season [L2, D5]
Probable line-ups
Vipers SC: Mudekereza (GK), Wadada, Luyima, Torach, Mukundane, Youngman, Watambala, Sukuya, Karisa ©, Okello, Yunus
NEC: Ssebwalunyo (GK), Atendele, Odong, Okao, Bayiga, Thembo, Mugalu, Mutyaba, Mucureezi, Kavuma ©, Ajo
