2024-2025 Uganda Premier League (Match Day 3)
Tuesday, 24th September 2024 Results
NEC 1-0 UPDF
Police 1-1 Solitlo Bright Stars
NEC edged a resilient UPDF 1-0 at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo during match day three of the 2024-2025 Uganda Premier League on Tuesday, 24th September 2024.
Rashid Okocha broke the resilience of a hard fighting UPDF outfit with four minutes left on the clock under-floodlights.
This was the third victory for NEC under Hussein Mbalangu, propelling them to 9 points and consolidate their top spot on the table standings.
NEC, unbeaten from the previous two matches of the season commenced with vigour prompting UPDF defender to head away the ball from an inviting Ibrahim Thembo’s free-kick after three minutes.
The visitors threatened with Tebandeke’s long throw in, that was easily picked up by goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo on 8 minutes.
Two minutes later, UPDF goalkeeper Yusuf Wasswa was quicker off the line to collect a free-kick from Muzamiru Mutyaba.
NEC in action against UPDF (blue shirts and shorts) at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on match day three of the 2024-2025 Uganda Premier League
On the quarter hour mark, defender Aggrey Kirya headed away Isma Kawawulo’s teasing cross from the left.
UPDF midfielder Christopher Kawagu swiftly recovered from a knock to solider on.
The visitors had a shot from Joseph Kayondo blocked inside the goal area in the 24th minute.
NEC threatened approaching the half hour mark but Okocha’s curling corner-kick was well defended by UPDF defenders/
Goalie Wasswa reacted quicker to thwart James Jarieko’s attack by the half hour before the two players collided moments later.
The collusion called for a long break to allow treatment for Wasswa who swiftly recovered.
With ten minutes to climax the opening stanza, Christopher Kawagu shot wide of NEC’s goal posts.
Musa Mudde of UPDF in action
UPDF attacker Andrew Samson Kigozi was fouled by defender Calvin Barni and it took former FIFA assistant referee Dick Okello a long time of consultation to give the defender a booking confirmed at the start of the second half.
The visitors had the last say of the first half when Tebandeke’s long throw nearly troubled defender Calvin Barni but the goalkeeper Ssebwaluunyo was faster to tame the situation.
Upon restart of play in the second half, NEC rested a silent Muzamiru Mutyaba for Wahabu Gaddafi.
NEC commenced the second stanza with energy as left winger Okocha had a mazy run before his cross flew over the UPDF goal.
Roving right back Geriga Atendele had a cross well defended by the UPDF captain Bernard Muwanga after 49 minutes.
Two minutes later, It was NEC once again with defender Barni heading over from skipper Ibrahim Kiyemba’s long free-kick.
UPDF defender Aggrey Kirya clears the ball
On the hour mark, NEC introduced forward Dickson Niwamanya for winger James Jarieko.
Cromwell Rwothomio became NEC’s second player to be cautioned by referee Okello in the 67th minute.
UPDF remained solid and composed at the back with their double change coming on the 70th minute mark.
Hassan Zzinda and Joseph Jjanjali were introduced for Frank Mugisa and Bashir Faridi respectively.
Forward Samuel Ssekamatte Kayongo had a brilliantly taken free-kick saved by NEC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo with 15 minutes to play.
NEC remained the more aggressive side and threw numbers upfront inside the final 10 minutes.
The tactic handsomely paid off in the 86th minute when Okocha scored from an acute angle on the left flank to spark wild celebrations.
Musa Mudde, UPDF midfielder
UPDF’s Samson Kigozi got cautioned for a malicious foul before the home team made a formality change when Rwothomio was replaced by Marvin Kavuma.
The hosts called for another tactical change with Enock Ssebaggala coming off for defender Jacob Okao.
This was the last piece of action as referee Okello called for full-time with NEC winning the game 1-0, the third victory on track following their 3-1 home win on match day one over Vipers and the hard fought 2-1 victory on the road at Kitara.
Team Line Ups:
NEC XI: Hannington Ssebwalunyo (G.K), Jeriga Atendele, Isma Kawawulo, Ibrahim Kiyemba (Captain), Calvin Barni, Ibrahim Thembo, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Ssebaggala, James Jarieko, Cromwell Rwothomio, Rashid Okocha
Subs: Samson Kirya (G.K), Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Jacob Okao, Amir Kakomo, Gaddafi Wahabu, Kavuma, Dickson Niwamanya, Kulanga
Head coach: Hussein Mbalangu
UPDF XI: Yusuf Wasswa (G.K), Christopher Kawagu, Ibrahim Kiirya, Bernard Muwanga (Captain), Christopher Tebandeke, Ronald Kayondo, Samson Andrew Kigozi, Frank Mugisa, Musa Mudde, Bashir Faridi, Samuel Ssekamatte Kayongo
Subs: Richard Anyama (G.K), Kabuye, Joseph Janjali, Lubwama, Abbas, Ssegujja, Paul Ssekulima, Kalule, Hassan Zzinda
Head coach: Paul Kiwanuka
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