NEC too hot for Vipers

StarTimes Uganda Premier League

Sunday, September 15, 2024 Results

Wakiso Giants 1-1 Soltilo Bright Stars

Maroons 1-1 UPDF

NEC 3-1 Vipers SC

Muzamir Mutyaba, Cromwell Rwothomio and Paul Mucurezi were on target as NEC thrashed six-time national champions, Vipers SC, 3-1 at the MTN Omondi Stadium on Sunday.

It was a sweet opening victory for the hosts as it was a rude awakening for Vipers, who started their 2024/25 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season as one of the title favourites. 

NEC wasted no time, going ahead through former KCCA and Mbale player, Mutyaba, on 11 minutes after some intricate passing by NEC players.

But Vipers picked themselves up and Livingston Mulondo headed home the equaliser off a corner on 25 minutes to go into the half time break level.

However, it was still NEC who returned from the break more adventurous, and their probing was rewarded in the 59th minute through a Rwothomio goal.

NEC’s Rashid Okocha brilliantly controlled a cross from the right with his left before crossing low for Rwothomio to tap home at the far post a 2-1 lead.

It got from bad to worse for Vipers and their new coach Nikola Kavazovic when another of their old boys, Mucureezi, completed a move that was started by NEC goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo.

Sebwalunyo launched a long ball, which was headed on for Mucureezi, who just signed from Kitara, to outpace two Vipers defenders and round the goalkeeper for 3-1 on the hour.

The victory moved NEC to second place on goal difference behind leaders Kitara. Third-placed KCCA are the other team with three points from one match.

Elsewhere, Jackson Nunda and Hassan Zziwa scored for Maroons and UPDF respectively in the 1-1 draw in Luzira.

At Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium, hosts Wakiso Giants and Soltilo Bright Stars also settled for a one-all draw, Herbert Asiimwe netting for the former and John Kokas Alou the latter.