NEC FC Sink Defending Champions Villa, Set Up Super 8 Final With KCCA

NEC FC produced a stunning second-half comeback to eliminate defending champions SC Villa from the FUFA Super 8 tournament, securing a place in the final after a dramatic 3-1 victory.

The result sets up an exciting final against KCCA FC on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with NEC now just one match away from lifting the FUFA Super 8 trophy.

SC Villa appeared to be on course for another victory when they took control of the opening half and went into the break with a 1-0 advantage. Their dominance was rewarded when Najib Yiga rose to head home a well-taken goal, giving the defending champions the lead.

However, NEC returned from the interval with renewed determination and a completely different approach.

Head coach Badru Kaddu made tactical adjustments and introduced energetic substitutes who helped change the momentum of the contest. NEC began applying greater pressure on Villa, forcing the defending champions into mistakes.

The comeback was led by Richard Basangwa, whose relentless pressure eventually exposed a Villa goalkeeping error. Basangwa reacted quickly to punish the mistake and bring NEC level.

With the game now firmly in NEC's control, pressure continued to build around the Villa penalty area. A corner kick created confusion in the defending champions' box before the ball ended up in their own net, handing NEC a 2-1 lead.

Villa were forced to push forward in search of an equaliser, but their attempts left spaces at the back. NEC took advantage late in the game when Innocent Media found himself with an opportunity to finish into an empty net after the Villa goalkeeper and defenders had been caught out.

The goal completed NEC's remarkable turnaround and confirmed a 3-1 victory.

NEC's fighting spirit

The victory carried special significance for NEC because of the team's experiences against Villa last season.

NEC captain Hanington Ssebwalunyo pointed to those previous encounters as a source of motivation for the players. The captain said the team has developed a strong mentality of fighting until the final whistle, emphasizing the importance of discipline, faith and determination.

“We have a die-hard spirit. We keep fighting until the last minute.”

That mentality was clearly visible in the semifinal. Despite trailing at half-time, NEC refused to panic and instead returned with greater intensity, eventually overturning the deficit.

The victory also represents an important psychological boost for a NEC side that suffered three defeats against Villa last season.

Kaddu praises his players

Coach Badru Kaddu praised his players for responding positively after Villa took the lead and credited the tactical changes and substitutions for helping NEC turn the match around.

Kaddu also singled out Basangwa for praise, describing him as a talented player who is beginning to demonstrate his full potential at NEC.

Basangwa's contribution proved crucial, with his pressure directly contributing to the equalising goal and helping to change the direction of the match.

The NEC coach also praised new signing Lubwama, who joined the club from UPDF, describing him as a classy player who fits the club's footballing identity.

Kaddu's comments underline NEC's growing confidence in the squad as the club prepares for its biggest match of the tournament.

Final date with KCCA FC

NEC's victory means the club will now face KCCA FC in the FUFA Super 8 final on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

The final promises to be a highly competitive contest between two established Ugandan football clubs, with NEC hoping to complete its impressive campaign by lifting the trophy.

For NEC, the journey to the final has already demonstrated the team's resilience. Coming from behind to defeat the defending champions will give the players considerable confidence heading into the decisive encounter.

Kaddu, however, is expected to maintain the same level of preparation and discipline, insisting that every match requires its own tactical plan.

Villa's title defence ends

For SC Villa, the defeat brings a painful end to their defence of the FUFA Super 8 title.

The defending champions had looked comfortable after taking a first-half lead, but NEC's second-half transformation proved decisive.

Villa's inability to withstand NEC's pressure after the interval ultimately cost them a place in the final.

NEC, meanwhile, can now look forward to Tuesday's showdown with KCCA FC with belief and momentum.

With the trophy now within touching distance, the stage is set for NEC FC to attempt to crown its remarkable comeback against SC Villa with FUFA Super 8 glory on August 18.