Richard Basangwa and Ronald Media shine as Hussein Mbalangu’s clinical side maintain perfect start with emphatic 3-1 victory.
NEC FC maintained their flawless start to the new Uganda Premier League (UPL) campaign, producing a dominant second-half display to put visiting Lugazi FC to the sword with a 3-1 victory at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Sunday.
After a frustrating, goalless opening period where the hosts lacked the final touch, the Diehards returned from the interval with renewed urgency, scoring three times in a devastating 30-minute blitz to secure back-to-back wins.
The hosts showed early intent and nearly broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when the lively Enrique Lubwama showcased brilliant footwork to weave past two defenders, only to pull his effort wide from the edge of the box.
Lugogo continued to push, but clear chances remained at a premium. Midfielder Pius Obuya came close in the 33rd minute, driving his shot narrowly over the crossbar after neat lead-up play by Lubwama.
Just before the stroke of halftime, NEC created their best opening of the first period. Hakim Wandera cleverly beat his marker on the flank before whipping in a pin-point cross for James Jarieko.
However, Lugazi custodian Tonny Kyamera pulled off a stunning, full-stretch save to keep the contest level heading into the break.
NEC’s persistence finally paid off seven minutes into the second half. Forward Richard Basangwa broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, latching onto a loose ball in the penalty area to slot past Kyamera and send the home supporters into voice.
Before Lugazi could reorganise, a defensive catastrophe put the game out of their reach. Kyamera, previously Lugazi’s standout performer, committed a glaring error under pressure four minutes later, gifting possession directly to Ronald Media. The pacy forward made no mistake, coolly doubling NEC’s advantage.
Media wasn’t done yet. In the 80th minute, he capped off a stellar individual performance by expertly squeezing the ball in at the near post to make it 3-0 and lock up all three points.
Lugazi managed to pull one back four minutes later when defender Richard Ayiko rose highest to head home a consolation goal, but it proved to be nothing more than a cosmetic line on the final scoreline as NEC comfortably managed the closing minutes.
The result leaves NEC sitting high on six points from two matches, underscoring their top-four ambitions for the season, while top-flight newcomers Lugazi leave Kampala with plenty of defensive homework to do.
