NEC FC Take Lugogo Bragging Rights after Completing Double Over KCCA FC To Keep Title Hopes Alive.

NEC Football Club defeated KCCA FC 1-0 to complete a double over 13- time(s) Champions – KCCA FC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League game played on Thursday night at Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.

Cranes midfielder Enock Ssebagala strike in the 9th minute was enough for the hosts to bag maximum points on the evening to walk away with bragging rights in the Lugogo derby. Midfielder Ssebagala headed in a well calculated Geriga cross.

Veteran Midfielder Muzamiru Mutyaba scored the only goal for NEC in the first round encounter away to KCCA FC.

Goalkeeper Mutwalibu Mugolofa kept the Kasasiro Boys in the game, when he made a double save on Ssebagala initial close effort and on James Jarieko rebound shortly after conceding the first goal.

Defensive midfielder Kimwero also tried from long range but was denied by KCCA FC captain Obenchan block.

There was however a controversial incident in the 35th minute when first assistant referee raised the flag for a handball by NEC goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo out side the 18 yard box, and Center referee Lucky Kasalirwe blew the whistle for the handball foul and splashed a yellow card to the NEC goalkeeper and captain, which KCCA FC players and technical bench claimed had to be a red card offence having denied the young star Gatbel what for them was a clear goal scoring opportunity.

Substitute Anaku got a second half chance to level the scoreline but he failed to hit the target.

Another substitute Emmanuel Ajo got NEC’s best second half chance but was denied by goalkeeper Mutombola on a keeper to beat.

The 1-0 home win for the hosts, meant they closed gap to one point behind log leaders Vipers SC with 37 points after just one game of the second round.

Cocah Hussein Mbalangu made a quick half time substitution when he brought on Mugalu for Mutyaba and the two new signings Ibrahim Musa and Ibrahim Kasinde made their debuts for the club, Musa replaced injured Geriga and Kasinde came on for winger Jarieko.

The other NEC substitutions, saw forward Emmanuel Ajo and left back also given some minutes when they replaced Paul Mucureezi and Rwothomio.

Though the match was boasted by the arrival of celebrated Ugandan musician Bebe Cool’s son Alpha Ssali among the new faces at the club, he was unused substitute on the evening and will wait for probably the next match to make his debut.

On the other side, coach Abdallah Mubiru brought in Sadat Anaku, Ssengendo and Kwikiliza for Katenga, Mubeezi and young star Gatbel.

After defeating KCCA FC, NEC unveiled their new January signings -singers; Alpha Thierry Ssali, Ibrahim Kasinde and right back Ibrahim Musa to the home fans.

KCCA FC XI
Mugolofa Mutwalibu(GK), Brian Ijara, Mubeezi, Philbert Obenchan, Mustafa Mujjuzi, Ashraf Mugume, Joel Serunjogi, Ivan Mayanja, Derrick Nsibambi, Gatbel, Etiene Katenga

Substitutes
Emmanuel Emojong, Haruna Lukwago, Issa Mubiru, Sadat Anaku, Kwikilira Shafiq, Anyama, Bright Anukani, Umar Lutalo, Sharif Ssengendo.

NEC XI
Hannington Sebwalunyo(GK), Geriga Atendere, Jacob Okao, Patrick Bayiga, Gideon Odongo, Shamir Kimwero, Enock Ssebagala, Muzamir Mutyaba, Cromwell Rwothomio, James Jarieko, Paul Mucureezi.

Substitutes
Ochan Benjamin, Isma Kawawulo, Ibrahim Musa, Emmanuel Ajo, Mugalu, Alpha Ssali, Kavuma, Wahab Gadafi, Ibrahim Kasinde, Kirya, Barni