NEC close in on Vipers as Kitara go fourth

StarTimes Uganda Premier League

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Results

NEC 3-1 Express

Police 0-1 Kitara

Two first-half goals and another after the break kept NEC’s momentum going as the hosts dispatched Express 3-1 at the MTN Omondi Stadium, moving within two points of leaders Vipers SC.

Muzamiru Mutyaba, Paul Mucureezi, and Allan Mugalu got the goals for NEC, while Conrad Ssenjogera netted Express’ consolation.

The hosts wasted no time, going ahead inside four minutes as Mutyaba finished off a Marvin Kavuma pass, capitalising on the visitors’ defensive lapse.

Man of the Match, Kavuma, was again the provider, delivering an inviting ball that Mucureezi volleyed home beautifully for a 2-0 cushion in the 24th minute.

Ten minutes into the second half, Mucureezi turned creator, improvising down the right to cross for Mugalu, who made it 3-0.

At this point, it became a matter of damage control for Express, who looked a shadow of their former selves on the day.

They did pull one back 10 minutes from time through Ssenjogera, but NEC’s stranglehold was never really under threat as the security forces side claimed their 14th win of the season in 21 matches.

NEC now lie second on 47 points, just two behind Vipers, who will play their 21st match on Saturday when the Venoms visit Wankulukuku.

Express, whose last win came in a 4-1 victory over Wakiso Giants on March 3, have now lost three straight games, slipping to seventh with 28 points.

Elsewhere, at Kavumba, Man of the Match Jude Semugabi marked his return from national team duty by scoring Kitara’s winner in a 1-0 away victory over Police, thanks to a Solomon Okwalinga assist.

Kitara’s ninth win in 21 matches lifted them three places to third on 32 points, while Police remained just two places above the relegation zone with 23. The league continues on Friday with three matches lined up.