FUFA Super 8: NEC, Entebbe UPPC Settle for Thrilling Draw as Kitara Cruise Past Police in First-Leg Quarterfinals

The 2026 FUFA Super 8 tournament got off to an entertaining start on Monday evening with goals, drama and impressive football on display as NEC FC were held to a 1-1 draw by newly promoted Entebbe UPPC, while Kitara FC produced a commanding performance to dismantle Police FC 4-0 in the first-leg quarterfinal fixtures played under the floodlights at Hamz Stadium.

The doubleheader showcased the quality and competitiveness expected in this year's competition, with football fans treated to two contrasting encounters—one a tightly contested tactical battle and the other a dominant attacking display.

In the headline fixture, NEC and Entebbe UPPC shared the spoils after an entertaining 90 minutes characterized by high intensity, quick passing and attacking football from both sides.

NEC, one of Uganda's most exciting sides in recent seasons, broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through forward James Jarieko, who calmly finished at the far post after a well-worked attacking move to give his side a deserved first-half advantage.

The goal rewarded NEC's positive approach as they controlled possession for long spells while creating several dangerous opportunities against a resilient Entebbe UPPC defence.

However, Entebbe UPPC refused to surrender and returned from the break with renewed determination.

Their persistence paid off in the second half when captain Julius Poloto confidently converted a penalty, sending NEC goalkeeper and captain Hannington Ssebwalunyo the wrong way to restore parity.

The equaliser injected even greater excitement into the contest as both teams searched for a winner in an end-to-end finale.

Despite creating several promising chances, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough, leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg later this week.

The match also witnessed injury concerns for both camps.

Entebbe UPPC defender Ahmed Amayo was forced off after sustaining a knock, while NEC midfielder Tonny Atukunda also limped off injured, potentially leaving both technical teams anxiously awaiting medical assessments before the second leg.

Both coaches took advantage of the competition to rotate their squads, introducing several substitutes throughout the encounter to assess player combinations and tactical options ahead of the upcoming season.

The entertaining spectacle was warmly received by the supporters at Hamz Stadium, who applauded the attacking intent and technical quality displayed by both teams.

Earlier in the day, reigning Stanbic Uganda Cup champions Kitara FC sent a strong statement to the rest of the competition with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Police FC.

Kitara dominated proceedings from start to finish, demonstrating clinical finishing and disciplined defending.

Living Kabon opened the scoring before experienced striker Patrick Henry Kaddu doubled the advantage.

Emmanuel Alex Wasswa added the third goal, while Jimmy Kalema completed the rout to hand Kitara a comfortable first-leg advantage.

Police had an opportunity to reduce the deficit after being awarded a penalty, but Congolese forward Bedia Ikamba was denied brilliantly by Kitara goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige, who guessed correctly, diving to his right to save the initial spot kick before reacting quickly to stop the rebound and preserve his clean sheet.

The comprehensive victory places Kitara in a commanding position ahead of the return leg and underlines their credentials as serious contenders for this year's FUFA Super 8 title.

NEC Starting XI

Hannington Ssebwalunyo (Captain), Ibrahim Kiyemba, Hakim Wandera, Ibrahim Musa, Warren Buule, Tonny Atukunda, Joseph Seremba, Pius Obuya, James Jarieko, Richard Basangwa, Ssenoga Kagawa.

NEC Substitutes

Samson Kirya (GK), Marvin Kavuma, Daniel Shabene, Emmanuel Ajo, Enrique Lubwama, Rashid Kawawa, Hudson Mbalire, Allan Mugalu, Tumwesigye, Gideon Odongo, Shamwiru Kimwero, Ssekamatte.

Entebbe UPPC Starting XI

Denis Otim (GK), Jonathan Odongo, Issa Mubiru, Ahmed Amayo, George Kiryoowa, Kayondo, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Sharif Ssengendo, Anwar Ntege, Julius Poloto. Entebbe

UPPC Substitutes

Rogers Omedwa (GK), Grant Matisko, Bogere, Kokolo, Ibrahim Orit, Steven Munguchi, Moro, Isat, Noordin Bunjo, Kevin Berna, Isabirye, Dan Kazibwe.

With the first-leg encounters now complete, attention shifts to the return fixtures later this week, where NEC and Entebbe UPPC remain evenly balanced after their hard-fought draw, while Police face an uphill task to overturn a four-goal deficit against an in-form Kitara side. The second legs promise more excitement as the four clubs battle for places in the next stage of the 2026 FUFA Super 8 tournament.