Uganda Premier League: NEC FC overpower KCCA FC in statement second-round opener
The contest, played under an energetic atmosphere, saw debutant Richard Basangwa announce himself in spectacular fashion with a brace, while Joseph Seremba continued his run as a dependable attacking outlet with a decisive strike.
NEC FC delivered a confident and entertaining performance to defeat KCCA FC 3–1 in the second-round opener of the Uganda Premier League at Lugogo, setting an early marker for their ambitions in the new phase of the season.
The contest, played under an energetic atmosphere, saw debutant Richard Basangwa announce himself in spectacular fashion with a brace, while Joseph Seremba continued his run as a dependable attacking outlet with a decisive strike. Despite a brief second-half wobble, NEC showed composure, tactical discipline, and attacking flair to secure all three points.
Fast start, firm defending
KCCA opened the match with intensity, pressing high and attempting to unsettle NEC’s defensive structure. However, NEC goalkeeper Ssebwalunyo repeatedly stepped up with key interventions, including a crucial punch to clear danger midway through the half.
As the hosts settled, their confidence grew. The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when Basangwa muscled past his marker and calmly finished, igniting the home crowd and giving NEC a deserved lead.
Although Basangwa later entered the referee’s book for a tactical foul, NEC maintained control and tempo. The remainder of the half featured disciplined defending and measured attacking play. NEC nearly doubled their advantage when Kagawa tested the KCCA goalkeeper from distance, but the effort drifted wide. The hosts went into the break ahead, having dictated much of the first-half rhythm.
Momentum shift and response
KCCA returned from the interval with renewed purpose and quickly found an equaliser. Ivan Ahimbisibwe capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 49th minute to level matters, briefly shifting the momentum.
NEC responded with tactical adjustments, introducing Allan Mugalu and Joseph Dhata to inject pace and fresh energy. The match grew increasingly physical, reflected in a series of cautions, but NEC gradually regained territorial control. Their persistence paid off in the 71st minute. Seremba, under pressure, unleashed a superb strike into the top corner to restore NEC’s lead — a moment that underlined his reliability in decisive situations.
Barely three minutes later, Basangwa sealed the result. Latching onto a well-timed attacking move, the debutant finished clinically to complete his brace and effectively put the game beyond reach. The closing stages were professionally managed, with NEC maintaining defensive discipline to see out added time.
Individual brilliance sets the tone
Basangwa’s debut performance stood out as the defining storyline. His movement, composure, and finishing ability gave NEC a cutting edge that KCCA struggled to contain. Seremba’s contribution further demonstrated NEC’s attacking depth, while Ssebwalunyo’s early saves laid the foundation for the victory.
The performance earned Basangwa the Linqsoft Man of the Match award, presented by club chairman Eng. Brian Buhanda, marking a memorable first appearance in NEC colours.
Beyond the scoreline, the victory highlighted NEC’s resilience. After conceding the equaliser, the team showed maturity and belief to wrest control back through structured play and decisive finishing.
Attention now turns to a demanding away fixture against Vipers SC at St. Mary's Stadium — a test that will further reveal the squad’s competitive edge. If this performance is an early indicator, NEC’s blend of defensive organisation and attacking confidence suggests a side ready to compete strongly in the second round.
