Lugazi FC succumbed to relentless second-half pressure at the MTN-Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, falling 2-0 to a determined NEC FC on Saturday evening.
The result saw NEC reclaim pole position in the league standings with a dominant performance.
Gideon Odongo and Emmanuel Ajo struck in the second half to hand the hosts a much-needed triumph, marking a strong recovery following their recent struggles in both league and cup competitions.
Having stumbled in the Uganda Cup against Blacks Power and settled for a 1-1 league draw with Police FC, NEC FC approached this contest with urgency.
Lugazi FC, however, started brightly, demonstrating composure in possession, while NEC relied on rapid transitions to create goal-scoring opportunities.
The game’s momentum shifted early when NEC was forced into an unexpected substitution in the 16th minute after Ibrahim Tembo sustained an injury, with Shamir Kimwero stepping in.
NEC had several chances to break the deadlock, but Cromwell Rwothomio and James Jarieko were wasteful in front of goal, while Kimwero’s thunderous shot was brilliantly denied by the Lugazi goalkeeper.
After the interval, Paul Mucureezi squandered a golden opportunity, but NEC’s persistence paid off in the 59th minute. Odongo met Mucureezi’s inch-perfect corner with a powerful header, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance as the hosts took the lead.
Lugazi FC nearly found a response, but Avemah Shafiq was denied by a sharp save. NEC continued to press, and Patrick Bayiga’s header cannoned off the crossbar in a near miss for the second goal.
With ten minutes left, substitute Ajo sealed the win in clinical fashion. A defensive mix-up between Lugazi’s backline and goalkeeper Juma Mutebi allowed Mucureezi to intercept and tee up Ajo, who made no mistake in front of goal.
Lugazi FC’s late attempts to salvage a goal were futile, with Freedom Mungudit firing wide from a promising position and Allan Mugalu’s close-range header rattling the woodwork.
This victory was particularly satisfying for NEC, who avenged their first-leg loss to Lugazi FC. The three points pushed them to 40 points, edging Vipers SC to the top of the table based on head-to-head results, though Vipers still have a game in hand.
Lugazi FC will look to bounce back when they host Express FC on Thursday, March 6, 2025, while NEC FC will travel to face Wakiso Giants the following day.
Elsewhere in the league, BUL FC registered a 2-0 victory over Soltilo Bright Stars in Kavumba, Kitara FC edged past URA FC 1-0, and Mbale Heroes played to a 1-1 draw with Police FC.
Matchday 18 action resumes on Sunday, March 2, with Vipers SC aiming to reclaim top spot against Mbarara City, KCCA FC visiting Maroons FC, and UPDF FC hosting reigning champions SC Villa in Bombo.
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