NEC FC and Express FC shared the spoils after a tense 0-0 stalemate in their Uganda Premier League clash at the Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Saturday.
Although the scoreline remained blank, the contest was anything but dull, with both sides engaging in a high-tempo battle that produced end-to-end football and kept the spectators engaged throughout the afternoon.
The encounter held special significance for NEC head coach Badru Kaddu, who came up against Express FC for the first time since parting ways with the Red Eagles.
His charges appeared keen to impress early on, enjoying greater control of the ball and setting the rhythm in the opening exchanges.
However, NEC’s dominance in possession did not translate into clear-cut chances, as Express stood firm defensively.
The visitors’ backline stayed organised and compact, frustrating NEC’s attacking efforts.
Ironically, Express came closest to breaking the deadlock before the break. Henry Wamala found space in a dangerous area, but his effort failed to hit the target, allowing NEC to escape unpunished.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams maintaining disciplined shapes and limiting each other’s opportunities.
Chances were few and far between, prompting both technical benches to make substitutions in search of a decisive moment.
Despite the tactical tweaks and fresh energy introduced late on, the goalkeepers on either end remained composed, producing assured stops to ensure their sides finished with clean sheets.
At the final whistle, NEC settled for seventh place on the standings with 20 points from 15 outings. Express FC, meanwhile, remain 10th on the log, climbing to 16 points as the first round of the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League season comes to an end.
