NEC FC ground out a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Lugazi FC on Wednesday night at Phillip Omondi Stadium, sealing their third win of the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League campaign on Matchday 12.
In a contest defined by discipline and patience, it was Innocent Media who made the difference just past the hour mark, calmly converting after a well-worked move to separate the sides.
The opening half offered little in terms of clear chances, with both teams cautious in approach.
Lugazi’s Derrick Mwanje dragged an early effort wide, while NEC came closest through Ibrahim Musa, whose goal-bound header was dramatically cleared off the line.
At the other end, goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan proved alert, punching away Ashraf Mulindi’s dangerous free kick to keep the score level at the interval.
NEC reshuffled at halftime, bringing on Marvin Kavuma and Muzamir Mutyaba to inject energy, while Lugazi responded by introducing Paul Busolo in place of Freedom Mungudit.
The breakthrough arrived in the 62nd minute when Joseph Seremba unlocked the Lugazi backline, teeing up Media to slot home with composure and hand the hosts a decisive advantage.
Lugazi pushed forward in search of a response, sending on Moses Buga and Birungi Alvin, and later Edrine Owachigui, but NEC remained resolute. Ochan marshaled his defense expertly as the hosts absorbed pressure to preserve their clean sheet.
Tempers and tension flared late on when Kavuma was stretchered off following a challenge from Rogers Atube, forcing NEC into a change with Sharif Kimwero coming on. Despite the disruption, the home side saw out the closing stages.
The victory lifts NEC to eighth on 15 points, while Lugazi, now under the guidance of new head coach Simon Mugerwa, stay 14th with 10 points after a sixth defeat of the season. NEC next welcome Kitara FC on January 22, as Lugazi travel to face Mbarara City.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, BUL FC snapped a frustrating winless streak with a narrow 1–0 away success against Calvary FC, while Kitara FC claimed a 2–1 triumph over UPDF FC at Royals’ Park.
Uganda Premier League action continues on Thursday night with a blockbuster Kampala derby as Express SC host SC Villa at Hamz Stadium, kick-off set for 8pm.
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