NEC FC forward Richard Basangwa has been rushed to hospital after suffering a serious injury during his side’s Uganda Premier League clash against Express FC at Nakivubo Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Basangwa was injured in the 90th minute following a dangerous challenge from Express defender Glory Kisule.
The incident, which appeared to involve an elbow on the neck, left the NEC forward in visible distress on the pitch.
Referee immediately penalized the foul and sent off Kisule for the dangerous challenge.
Medical personnel rushed onto the field to attend to Basangwa, who remained down for several minutes receiving treatment.
His condition quickly raised concern, with the player appearing unconscious and struggling to breathe.
However, the situation was worsened by the unavailability of a functional ambulance at the stadium.
The ambulance on site had no medical equipment and also had a flat tire, leading to further delays in evacuating the player.
As a result, a Toyota Land Cruiser had to be driven through the main gate before the unconscious Basangwa was hurriedly placed inside and rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention.
The match eventually ended in a goalless draw.
Express show fight
Express were depleted by NEC FC in the mid-season transfer window, picking five players – Richard Basangwa, Hakim Wandera, Muhammad Kagawa Ssenoga, Rashid Kawawa and Ramzy Kawooya.
Earlier, the club had acquired coach Badru Kaddu from Express!
With Jimmy Kintu, who joined from Calvary FC, Express FC are having their best run so far after remaining unbeaten in four league games.
They came into the match after recording victories over URA, Police, and UPDF FC, and ahead of NEC FC match, the players had vowed to give it their wall against their former coach and former teammates.
And they did just that, defending resolutely from start to finish despite NEC also lacking the spark on various occasions.
Express goalkeeper Hafizi Kassim produced a good save to deby Pius Obuya, in NEC FC’s best chance of the night.
NEC FC has now gone seven matches without conceding a goal in the league.
The result leaves NEC in 5th with 41 points while Express sit 10th with 30 points, 15 above the drop zone.
What next – Express will host BUL on April 24 while NEC will welcome Mbarara City at Lugogo on the same date.
Players Used
Express – Khassim Hafizi, Blanchar Mulamba, Mikidad Ssenyonga, Douglas Rwotngeyo, Yosia Kisa, Vincent Adriko, John Assiimwe, Kenneth Kimera, Sharif Lubega, Marvin Praise Wambuga, Marvin Nyanzi
NEC – Hannington Ssebwalunyo, Warren Buule, Allan Mugalu, Ibrahim Musa, Joseph Dhata, Patrick Bayiga, Richard Basangwa, Hakim Wandera, Ramz Kawooya, Muhammad Kagawa Ssenoga, Tonny Atukunda
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