NEC FC Held by Mbarara City as Unbeaten Start Continues

NEC FC were held to a goalless draw by Mbarara City FC on Friday evening at Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge, but the result was enough to preserve the Diehards’ unbeaten start to the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season.

The stalemate saw NEC FC collect a point on the road to move to seven points from their opening three matches, while Mbarara City registered their first point of the campaign.

NEC FC entered the contest looking to maintain their perfect start after securing victories in their opening two league matches. However, Mbarara City proved a stubborn opponent, with both sides creating opportunities but failing to find the decisive touch in front of goal.

The Diehards produced the first significant threat in the 13th minute when James Jarieko delivered a dangerous ball into the Mbarara City penalty area from the left. However, the home goalkeeper read the situation well and gathered the delivery to deny NEC FC an early breakthrough.

Jarieko remained influential in NEC FC’s attacking play and was again involved in the 24th minute when he picked out Innocent Media inside the box. Media finished clinically, but his effort was ruled out for offside, denying NEC FC what would have been the opening goal.

Mbarara City gradually grew into the contest and came close in the 39th minute when Brian Aheebwa rose highest to meet a cross. His effort, however, was kept out by NEC FC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, who produced an important save to keep the scores level.

The Diehards were forced to make an early substitution shortly afterwards. Emmanuel Kulanga suffered an injury in the 40th minute and was unable to continue, with Muhammed Kagawa Ssenoga introduced as his replacement.

Neither team could break the deadlock before the interval, with two minutes of additional time played at the end of the first half as the teams went into the dressing rooms level at 0-0.

NEC FC looked to inject fresh energy into their attack after the restart, making a double substitution in the 59th minute. Emmanuel Ajo and Allan Mugalu came on for Media and Pius Obuya as the Diehards searched for a way through the Mbarara City defence.

Ajo came close to giving NEC FC the lead in the 74th minute after rising highest to meet a cross. However, his header drifted narrowly wide of the target as the visitors missed another opportunity to take control of the match.

NEC FC made two further changes in the 77th minute, with Marvin Kavuma and Jacob Okao introduced for Enrique Lubwama and Ibrahim Kiyemba.

Mbarara City pushed forward in the closing stages in search of a late winner, but NEC FC’s defence remained organised and disciplined. The Diehards resisted the pressure and ensured that the hosts could not find the breakthrough.

Mbarara FC Starting XI

Three minutes of additional time were played at the end of the match, but neither side could produce the decisive moment.

The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw, bringing NEC FC’s winning run to an end but extending their unbeaten start to the new league campaign.

Despite dropping their first points of the season, the result keeps NEC FC among the early pace-setters, with seven points from three matches. The Diehards have scored in their opening two fixtures and will now look to quickly return to winning ways in their next assignment.

For Mbarara City, the point represents a positive step after losing their opening league match against Police FC. The hosts will hope the result provides a platform for improved performances as the season progresses.

NEC FC Turn Attention to URA FC

The Diehards will now shift their focus to their next Uganda Premier League fixture against URA FC on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. NEC FC will return to familiar surroundings at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, where they will be aiming to secure maximum points and maintain their strong early-season momentum.

With seven points already collected from three matches, NEC FC will be determined to build on their unbeaten record and return to winning ways when the Tax Collectors visit Lugogo.