Shared Ground, Split Loyalties: NEC FC Look to Maintain Edge Over KCCA in Lugogo Showdown

MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo – 8 PM

A highly anticipated Lugogo derby returns this Friday night as KCCA FC hosts NEC FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, with both sides eyeing crucial points in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League title race.

KCCA Looking to Reclaim Top Spot Breathing Room

KCCA FC enters the clash with the opportunity to re-open a three-point gap at the top of the table, provided they secure victory against their neighbours. The Kasasiro Boys are enjoying a strong run of form, having won their last three league matches, including a morale-boosting 2–1 victory over BUL FC, a side that has troubled them in recent seasons.

The technical bench, led by Brian Ssenyondo and Jackson Magera, has restored belief and momentum in the camp, and the team will be eager to make a statement under the Lugogo floodlights.

However, KCCA will have to navigate the derby without two of their most influential players.

Ivan Ahimbisibwe, their leading scorer, and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, a lively forward,

are both away with the Uganda Cranes in Morocco preparing for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

This absence leaves the attacking burden on Emmanuel Anyama and Derrick Nsibambi, both of whom will need to step up to compensate for Ahimbisibwe’s goal-scoring prowess.

NEC FC Confident, With History on Their Side

Despite being newer to the league, NEC FC has enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of the four previous league meetings against KCCA. That history gives the Diehards real confidence heading into the derby.

Their most recent performance — a 1–1 draw against defending champions Vipers SC — showed resilience, tactical discipline, and the ability to compete with top sides.

NEC’s squad also features several familiar faces to the Lugogo faithful. Former KCCA players

Mustafa Kizza,

Benjamin Ochan,

Muzamir Mutyaba,

and 

Paul Mucureezi

are expected to play pivotal roles, adding an intriguing storyline to the contest. Their experience at Lugogo could prove valuable in navigating the derby atmosphere.

On the touchline will be Coach Badru Kaddu, himself a former KCCA tactician who won multiple titles under Mike Mutebi.

His understanding of KCCA’s culture and philosophy adds yet another layer of intrigue. 

Expect a High-Intensity Lugogo Derby 

The combination of:

KCCA’s strong form,

NEC’s historical advantage,

and the derby atmosphere at Lugogo sets the stage for a thrilling contest.

With both sides chasing points for different objectives — KCCA fighting to stay on top and NEC aiming to break into the top-tier bracket — Friday night’s clash promises energy, emotion, and tactical battles across the pitch.

Kickoff is 8 PM, and the Lugogo floodlights are ready. Another chapter in this growing rivalry is about to be written.