Wednesday, February 28
•NEC 0-3 KCCA
Thursday, February 29
•Busoga United Vs Gaddafi – Njeru
•URA Vs Maroons – Lugazi
•Vipers Vs Bright Stars – Kitende, 7pm
KCCA reclaimed their winning form with a resounding 3-0 victory over NEC in a highly anticipated Lugogo derby, illuminated by floodlights.
Shaban Muhammad stole the spotlight with a first-half brace, showcasing his prowess in front of goal.
His opening strike came in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Gaddafi as he expertly volleyed in a well-placed ball from Joao Gabriel Cardoso after it was poorly headed away by Ibrahim Kiyemba.
The striker then doubled his tally just before halftime, seizing upon a wayward back pass from Shamir Kimwero to calmly slot the ball into the net in the 44th minute.
Not to be outdone, Ashraf Mugume joined the scoring spree, securing KCCA’s third goal after being set up by Gabriel, effectively sealing the fate of NEC in the 54th minute.
The match took a sour turn for NEC when Geriga Atendele received his marching orders in added time, reducing his side to ten men after receiving his second yellow card.
The victory marked a significant turnaround for KCCA, who had suffered a disappointing defeat to Kitara in their previous outing at Lugogo.
It also served as sweet revenge for their earlier loss to NEC in the first round of fixtures after Cromwell Rwothomio’s brace had secured a 2-0 win.
Abdallah Mubiru’s squad now sits in ninth place on the league table with 26 points, bolstered by their eighth win in 19 games.
Meanwhile, the defeat sees NEC remain in fourth place with 31 points, having suffered their sixth loss of the season.
Looking ahead, NEC will aim to bounce back as they prepare to face Busoga United in the Uganda Cup on March 5 before locking horns with Gaddafi in league action.
On the other hand, KCCA’s next challenge sees them take on URA in the Uganda Cup on March 4, followed by a highly anticipated clash against rivals Vipers.
Players Used
NEC – Samson Kirya, Marvin Kavuma, Geriga Atendele, Cromwell Rwothomio, Allan Mugalu, Shamir Kimwero, Joseph Dhata, Gideon Odongo, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Rashid Okocha, Gavin Mubutu
KCCA – Anthony Emojong, Filbert Obenchan, Muhammad Shaban, Joao Gabriel, Ashraf Mugume, Peter Magamba, Etienne Katenga, Herbert Achayi, Joel Sserunjogi, Emmanuel Wasswa, Joseph Ogwang
