NEC FC Eye Top Spot as Diehards Face Blacks Power Test in Bukedea

NEC FC will be aiming to climb to the summit of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League when they travel to Eastern Uganda to face Blacks Power FC in a Matchday 9 encounter at the Bukedea Comprehensive School (BCS) Sports Complex on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The match, scheduled to kick off at 4:00 PM, presents an opportunity for the Diehards to strengthen their title ambitions and potentially move into first place, depending on results elsewhere.

NEC FC head into the encounter in high spirits following an emphatic 5-1 victory over Ntugasaze FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, in their previous outing.

The result maintained their third-place position on the 18-team league table, with 17 points from eight matches. The Diehards have scored 17 goals and conceded just five, boasting an impressive goal difference of +12.

Their attacking efficiency and defensive solidity have made them serious contenders this season, and they will be keen to maintain that consistency against a determined Blacks Power side.

Blacks Power seek home advantage

The hosts come into Saturday's fixture following a goalless draw against SC Villa at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku. Blacks Power sit seventh with 13 points from eight matches, having scored nine goals and conceded 11, giving them a goal difference of -2.

Despite trailing NEC FC by four points, the Eastern-based side will be determined to use home advantage to secure a positive result.

Blacks Power are expected to rely on defensive organisation and quick attacking transitions to contain NEC FC's forward line, while looking for opportunities to trouble the visitors.

For the Diehards, breaking down the hosts' defence and converting their chances will be crucial to returning to Kampala with maximum points. 

Team News: Three players unavailable

NEC FC will be without three players for the trip to Bukedea. 

Defender Warren Buule remains sidelined through injury, while fellow defender Mustafa Mujuzi has resumed light training but is not yet ready for competitive action as he continues his recovery.

Midfielder Pius Obuya also missed the trip due to injury.

The rest of the squad is fit and available for selection, providing the technical team with several options ahead of the important away fixture.

Head-to-Head: Blacks Power hold Uganda Cup advantage

Saturday's encounter will mark the first-ever meeting between NEC FC and Blacks Power FC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.

However, the two sides previously met in the 51st edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup, where Blacks Power eliminated NEC FC with a 2-0 victory in the Round of 32.

The Diehards will be eager to overturn that result and secure a league victory against their former cup conquerors. 

What is at stake?

A victory would take NEC FC to 20 points and could propel them to the top of the league standings, depending on the outcomes of other fixtures.

For Blacks Power, three points would lift them to 16 points and potentially strengthen their position among the league's leading sides.

With NEC FC looking to sustain their impressive form and Blacks Power determined to defend their home territory, Saturday's encounter promises a competitive contest.

The Diehards will be hoping to reproduce their attacking brilliance against Ntugasaze and take another important step in their pursuit of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League title. ### MATCHDAY DETAILS

Fixture: Blacks Power FC vs NEC FC

Competition: StarTimes Uganda Premier League 2026/27

Matchday: 9 

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026

Kick-off:4:00 PM

Venue:Bukedea Comprehensive School (BCS) Sports Complex