Uganda Premier League 2024/25 (Match Day 1):
NEC 3-1 Vipers
NEC commenced the 2024-2025 Uganda Premier League season on a bright note, triumphing 3-1 over visiting Vipers at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Sunday, 15th September 2024.
A brace from second half substitute Cromwell Rwothomio and Muzamiru Mutyaba’s first half goal spurred NEC to a great memorable result.
Vipers’ only goal came from defender Livingstone Mulondo.
The home side start brilliantly with vigour and pomp in the opening five minutes of the game.
Against the run of play Allan Okello’s glancing header narrowly missed target off Moses Waiswa’s inviting corner kick in the 6th minute.
Moments later, Abdul Karim Watambala shot over with weaker right foot from 25 yards.
The game was lit up with Mutyaba’s super strike from 20 yards past the diving goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu.
On the quarter hour mark, Waiswa’s dangerous free-kick delivery into the area was well thwarted by the NEC skipper Ibrahim Kiyemba.
It was Vipers again with a distant shot from Watambala but goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo was equal to the task at hand.
NEC’s forward Dickson Niwamanya hurried shot from distance after a quick break but the effort flew off target.
Vipers called for a quick forced change when Sukuya limped off for midfielder Abubakari Walusimbi after 20 minutes.
The Venoms remains soul searching and earned two corner kicks in succession that NEC defended well.
On the 25th minute mark, a powerful header from defender Mulondo found the back of the net after an inviting corner kick from Waiswa.
Ignited by the equalizer, Vipers would have easily taken the lead two minutes later.
Following a quick counter attack, Vipers’ captain Milton Karisa outpaced Isma Kawawulo before he laid the ball for Watambala.
In turn, Watambala set up Allan Okelllo who shot inches off target.
Kawawulo recovered on time to defend off Kenneth Kimera inside the goal area as Vipers surged forward.
The NEC technical team immediately reacted with a swift change. Off was Isma Kawawulo with Gideon Odongo taking his place.
Three points for NEC in the bag will be good enough to bolster the confidence levels prior to the away trip to Kitara at the new amenity in Hoima, Butema (Royals Park) this coming Thursday, 19th September 2024.
NEC XI Vs Vipers | Credit: John Batanudde
Team Line Ups:
NEC XI: Hannington Ssebwalunyo (G.K), Geriga Atendele, Isma Kawawulo, Ibrahim Kiyemba (Captain), Barni, Ibrahim Thembo, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Enock Ssebagala, James Jarieko, Dickson Niwamanya, Rashid Okocha
Subs: Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Samson Kirya (G.K), Gideon Odongo, Jacob Okao, Kimwero, Amir Kakomo, Wahab Gaddafi, Ronald Kaye, Paul Mucureezi, Cromwell Rwothomio, Kulanga
Vipers XI Vs NEC | Credit: John Batanudde
Vipers XI: Derrick Kiggundu (G.K), Nicholas Wadada, Enock Luyima, Livingstone Mulondo, Patrick Mbowa, Abdul Karim Watambala, Milton Karisa (Captain), Moses Waiswa, Allan Okello, Sukuya, Kenneth Kimera
Subs: Alfred Mudekereza (G.K), Grant Matsiko, Derrick Ndahiro, Hilary Mukundane, Katongole, Isa Bugembe, Yunus Sentamu, Abubakari Walusimbi, Annest Ankunda, Rogers Torach, Fazil Tumwine, Fumador
NEC and Vipers captains with the match officials moments before kick off at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo – Kampala | Credit: John Batanudde
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