Wednesday, September 2
•NEC 3-1 Lugazi
•Entebbe UPPC 2-1 UPDF
NEC FC continued their impressive start to the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season with a 3-1 victory over Lugazi FC at the Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Tuesday.
Richard Basangwa opened the scoring shortly after half-time before substitute Innocent Media struck twice to put the Diehards in firm control.
Richard Ayiko pulled one back for Lugazi, but NEC held on comfortably to secure their second consecutive victory and maintain a 100 percent record.
The opening half was closely contested, with both teams creating opportunities but failing to find the breakthrough.
NEC came closest in the 23rd minute when Enrique Lubwama unleashed a powerful effort that was well saved by the Lugazi goalkeeper.
Facing his former side, Cromwell Rwothomio almost put the Visitors ahead but his effort was forced away goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo.
James Jarieko then had an opportunity shortly before the break after Wandera picked him out, but his attempted chip was comfortably dealt with.
The sides went into the interval level at 0-0.
NEC head coach Kaddu Badru made an immediate change at the start of the second half, introducing Innocent Media for Allan Mugalu.
The change quickly paid dividends.
In the 52nd minute, Jarieko cut the ball back to Basangwa, who produced a superb finish into the top-left corner to give NEC the lead.
Five minutes later, Media doubled the advantage.
A dangerous delivery from Ssebwalunyo caused confusion inside the Lugazi box, and although the goalkeeper punched the ball away, Media reacted quickest to the rebound and fired home.
NEC continued to control proceedings and made another change in the 68th minute, with Emmanuel Kulanga replacing Lubwama.
The hosts effectively sealed the points in the 81st minute when Kulanga picked out Media with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing the forward to keep his composure and complete his brace.
Lugazi responded three minutes later through Ayiko, who reduced the deficit to 3-1.
However, NEC remained composed in the closing stages and saw out the match without further trouble.
The victory takes NEC FC to six points from their opening two matches, keeping them among the early leaders of the Uganda Premier League.
The Diehards will next travel to face Mbarara City on September 11, with the match scheduled for Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge.
Lugazi who beat Kigezi Homeboyz in their league opener, will hope to make amends when they visit Entebbe UPPC on September 9 at Nakivubo
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