NEC 3-1 Vipers: Disastrous Start for Nikola Kavazovic

Sunday, September 15
*Wakiso Giants 1-1 Bright Stars
*Maroons 1-1 UPDF
*NEC 3-1 Vipers

Monday, September 16
*SC Villa Vs Mbarara City – Wankulukuku
*Police Vs BUL – Kavumba
*Express Vs Mbale Heroes – Nakivubo, 7pm

NEC kicked off their 2024/25 Uganda Premier League season with a resounding 3-1 win over giants Vipers on Sunday under the floodlights at Lugogo Stadium.

Muzamir Mutyaba, Former Vipers players Paul Mucureezi and Cromwell Rwothomio were on target for the hosts while Livingston Mulondo scored for the Venoms.

The match saw a standout performance from NEC, while Vipers struggled to find their footing.

Former KCCA midfielder Muzamir Mutyaba who joined NEC from Mbale Heroes, set the tone early, scoring in the 12th minute. After receiving a pass from Enock Ssebagala, Mutyaba controlled the ball skillfully and unleashed a powerful shot that beat Vipers’ goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu.

Vipers equalized in the 26th minute when center-back Livingston Mulondo headed in Moses Waiswa’s corner kick, bringing the score to 1-1 before halftime.

NEC came out with renewed energy in the second half. Their efforts were rewarded at the hour mark when Rwothomio capitalized on a chance created by Rashid Okocha, tapping in from close range at the far post.

A minute later, Mucureezi extended NEC’s lead, finishing a long ball from goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo that had been slightly brushed by Rwothomio.

Mucureezi chose not to celebrate his goal, raising his hands as a gesture of respect for his former club.

Despite late efforts from Vipers, including the introduction of striker Yunus Sentamu and a missed opportunity by substitute Ernest Ankunda, the scoreline remained unchanged.

Earlier in the match, Kiggundu had managed to deny a powerful shot from another former Vipers player, Ibrahim Thembo.

The result marks a strong start for NEC under Coach Hussein Mbalangu, who will be keen to improve upon last season’s sixth-place finish.

For Vipers, the defeat presents a challenging debut for new Serbian Coach Nikola Kavazovic, who was appointed with the expectation of winning the league after the team finished third last season, behind champions Villa and BUL.