NEC FC Hosts Kitara FC in a Crucial Match Day 23 Encounter at Omondi Stadium
Both sides come into this game with a point to prove, but with different objectives. NEC FC, under the guidance of head coach Hussein Mbalangu, will be looking to keep pressure on league leaders Vipers SC, while Kitara FC, currently 5th with 35 points, aims to push closer to the top three and continue their recent resurgence under head coach Wasswa Bbosa.
Date: 10th April 2025
Kickoff: 7:00 PM EAT
Venue: MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
The StarTimes Uganda Premier League Match Day 23 will see second-placed NEC FC host Kitara FC in a highly anticipated Thursday night showdown at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
Both sides come into this game with a point to prove, but with different objectives. NEC FC, under the guidance of head coach Hussein Mbalangu, will be looking to keep pressure on league leaders Vipers SC, while Kitara FC, currently 5th with 35 points, aims to push closer to the top three and continue their recent resurgence under head coach Wasswa Bbosa.
Kitara FC will approach this fixture on the back of a morale-boosting 4-0 demolition of KCCA FC at the Royals Park Stadium in Butema. The result was a perfect revenge for their first-round 2-0 loss in Lugogo and showed the tactical discipline instilled by Bbosa since his appointment.
With four wins in their last six league outings, Kitara’s form has notably improved, and they now return to the Omondi Stadium with confidence to upset one of the most consistent home sides this season.
Speaking ahead of the game, Coach Bbosa remarked:
“We have done thorough preparations and our aim is to pick maximum points on Thursday. We know NEC are enjoying a good run especially at home but we want to close the gap on the top three by giving our best in the remaining games.”
NEC FC remains one of the most formidable teams at home this season and currently sits 2nd on the table with 48 points. With the title race heating up, a win against Kitara will be vital in chasing down Vipers SC.
Despite only picking up three wins from their last six matches, Mbalangu’s men are determined to bounce back strong. The hosts won the reverse fixture 2-1 in Hoima through goals from Enock Ssebagala and Gaddafi Wahab, and will look to replicate that performance on familiar turf.
NEC coach Hussein Mbalangu has called on his team to rise to the occasion:
“This is our home and we must use that to our advantage. Kitara are in good form but we want to keep our momentum and fight for the title.”
Team News
Kitara FC: Forward George Senkaaba returns from suspension and is expected to partner with attacking options such as Kabon Living, Jude Ssemugabi, Fred Amaku, and Titus Ssematimba.
No injury concerns reported. Full squad available.
NEC FC: Kelvin Barni and Kimwero Shamir are ruled out due to injuries.
Jarieko James misses out through suspension.
Okao Jacob returns after serving a one-match ban.
Forward Paul Mucureezi will face his former side, Kitara FC, in what is expected to be a key subplot.
Head-to-Head Record
The two sides have met seven times in recent seasons, with Kitara FC holding the upper hand with four wins compared to NEC's two victories:
19/09/2024: Kitara FC 1-2 NEC
04/04/2024: NEC 1-0 Kitara FC
25/05/2024: NEC 0-1 Kitara FC
02/12/2023: Kitara FC 1-0 NEC
09/03/2023: NEC 0-1 Kitara FC
02/12/2022: Kitara FC 2-0 NEC
What to Expect
With both teams in good form and a lot on the line, this clash promises fireworks.NEC will bank on their home form and organized play, while Kitara's pace, creativity, and renewed energy under Bbosa could cause problems for the hosts.
Prediction:
A closely contested match is expected, but NEC’s home strength might just edge them forward unless Kitara replicates their KCCA performance.
Stay tuned for full match updates and post-match analysis.
