NEC FC were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Express FC in a closely contested Uganda Premier League match at Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Thursday night.
Despite creating several promising chances, the hosts were unable to find the breakthrough against a resilient Express FC side.
The Diehards started on the front foot, with Allan Mugalu registering the first notable attempt in the eighth minute after connecting with Enrique Lubwama’s corner. However, his header was comfortably collected by the Express goalkeeper.
NEC FC continued to apply pressure, with Emmanuel Ajo delivering a dangerous cross in the 19th minute towards James Jarieko, whose attempted touch narrowly failed to connect with the ball.
The hosts came close again in the 23rd minute when Richard Basangwa won a free kick just outside the penalty area.
Gideon Odongo’s effort was punched away by the Express goalkeeper before Lubwama fired the rebound wide.
Express FC also threatened, particularly in the 32nd minute, but NEC FC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo produced a strong response to deny the visitors.
Five minutes before halftime, Mugalu set up Basangwa, who skilfully beat his marker before unleashing a shot on goal. The Express goalkeeper was again equal to the task, turning the effort behind for a corner.
Both teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0, with NEC FC having created several opportunities but lacking the finishing touch.
After the restart, Basangwa attempted to break the deadlock with a long-range effort in the 50th minute, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.
Express were resolute at the back and were a threat every time they exploded forward. They had a penalty appeal turned down while Abasi Muluya headed wide.
Neither side could find a winner during the closing stages, and the referee brought the contest to an end after two minutes of added time.
Although the draw extended NEC FC’s points tally, the team will be looking to improve its finishing in the coming fixtures as the StarTimes Uganda Premier League campaign continues.
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