2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League | Match Day 17 | Tuesday, February 17
Vipers SC 1-1 NEC FC
NEC FC showed grit and character under the lights at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, as Warren Buule’s second-half header earned them a valuable 1-1 draw against league leaders Vipers SC on Tuesday night.
Vipers came into the contest as favourites and wasted no time in asserting their authority. The Venoms struck as early as the 7th minute, when a brilliant delivery from Watambala unlocked the NEC defence and found Milton Karisa, who made no mistake with a calm finish to send the home fans into celebration.
The early setback forced NEC into an immediate reaction, and the visitors responded by making tactical changes. Shamiru Kimwero and Dhata Joseph Stephen Lujang were introduced early to inject fresh legs and increase energy in midfield, a move that helped NEC regain composure and stability.
The match remained tense and physical, with a number of yellow cards interrupting the rhythm of play. Despite the heated atmosphere, NEC stayed organised and limited Vipers’ attacking threat, going into the break only a goal behind.
After halftime, NEC returned with greater urgency, pushing higher up the pitch and applying more pressure. Their determination was further strengthened when Hakim Wandera replaced Ibrahim Kiyemba, a substitution that added momentum and renewed attacking intent.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 74th minute, when Warren Buule rose highest to meet a well-placed delivery and headed home with precision, silencing the Kitende crowd and restoring parity for the visitors.
Both sides had opportunities in the closing stages as the match opened up, but neither managed to find the decisive goal, and the points were shared after a competitive battle.
The result leaves NEC with four points from their last two matches, maintaining 7th place on 24 points, while Vipers remain top of the table on 38 points, though they have now registered back-to-back draws.
Vipers will return to action when they host Lugazi FC on Wednesday, March 4, while NEC will face UPDF FC a day earlier at Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Elsewhere on Match Day 17, Entebbe UPPC FC defeated Mbarara City FC 1-0 in Entebbe, while Buhimba United Saints FC held Police FC to a 1-1 draw in Butema.
