2025/26 Uganda Premier League | Matchday 13
NEC FC 3–3 Kitara FC
A six-goal spectacle at Lugogo delivered one of the most absorbing contests of the Uganda Premier League season as NEC FC and Kitara FC battled to a dramatic 3–3 draw in a match defined by momentum swings, controversy and late drama.
For NEC, it felt like two points thrown away. They took the lead three times but were unable to hold on, as a spirited Kitara side showed resilience and character to fight back on each occasion.
Kitara began with intent, nearly striking inside the opening minute when John Bosco Byaruhanga dragged his effort narrowly wide before Yunus Sibira forced Benjamin Ochan into an early save from range.
Their rhythm was briefly interrupted in the 18th minute when Jimmy Kalema was forced off injured, with George Ssenkaaba taking his place.
Despite Kitara’s early control, NEC struck first against the run of play. In the 27th minute, Ochan’s long clearance caused confusion in the Kitara defence, Benjamin Nyakoojo failed to clear his lines, and Joseph Sseremba punished the lapse with a precise finish from outside the area that caught Meddy Kibirige off guard.
Kitara’s frustrations grew soon after as two penalty appeals were turned down, first for a suspected handball by Ibrahim Musa and later when Frank Tumwesigye “Zaga” went down in the box.
NEC capitalised on that escape. Breaking quickly, Sseremba slid a well-weighted pass to Joseph Dhata, who calmly made it 2–0, giving the hosts a firm grip heading into halftime. Kitara did find the net before the break through Byaruhanga, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The visitors returned after the interval with renewed energy. Seven minutes into the second half, Ssenkaaba rose to meet Zaga’s free kick, heading home to breathe life back into the contest.
Wasswa Bossa’s substitutions, Gaddafi Wahab, Emmanuel Wasswa and Crispas Asiki added drive and urgency.
Kitara’s pressure told in the 72nd minute when Ochan brought down Byaruhanga in the area. Wahab stepped up and coolly converted the resulting penalty to restore parity.
Late drama followed. With three minutes remaining, NEC reclaimed the lead through substitute Emmanuel Kulanga, who showed great control before drilling a low finish from the edge of the box.
But Kitara were not done. In the final minute, Emmanuel Wasswa powered in a header to secure a deserved equaliser and cap an unforgettable afternoon of football.
Kitara FC remain sixth on 23 points, while NEC FC sit eighth with 16 after a thrilling encounter that showcased the league at its dramatic best.
Elsewhere on Matchday 13:
Mbarara City and Lugazi FC shared a goalless draw at Rwamwanja, while Express FC defeated Buhimba United Saints 3–1.
Leave feedback about this