KCCA’s unbeaten run in the Uganda Premier League came to an agonizing end after a 1-0 defeat to NEC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Thursday.
The result not only marked the Kasasiro Boys’ first loss of the season but also saw NEC return to the summit of the league standings.
Both sides came into the game unbeaten at the MTN Omondi Stadium, which they share as their home ground, and NEC took the day with the victory.
The decisive moment came in the 20th minute when former KCCA midfielder Muzamiru Mutyaba delivered a stunning strike.
Receiving a precise pass from Paul Mucureezi, another ex-KCCA star, Mutyaba unleashed a powerful shot that left goalkeeper Anthony Emojong helpless.
In a show of respect, Mutyaba declined to celebrate against his former side.
After the goal, NEC executed their game plan with precision, displaying defensive resilience and exploiting counterattacks effectively.
Despite KCCA’s efforts to equalise, the Diehards stood firm, with their backline and midfield marshalled effectively by head coach Hussein Mbalangu.
Goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo was also pivotal, pulling off crucial saves to deny KCCA’s Sadat Anaku, Usama Arafat, and Saidi Mayanja.
The game saw its share of drama though, including a contentious decision in the second half when Anaku was fouled at the edge of the box.
KCCA’s appeals for a penalty were dismissed, with the referee awarding a free kick that Usama Arafat subsequently sent wide, and ultimately the game concluded in NEC’s favour.
The result ended KCCA’s eight-game unbeaten streak and left them trailing NEC by one point in the standings.
NEC now lead the league with 19 points from nine matches, while KCCA, with five wins, sits in second.
The loss is a reality check for KCCA, who had salvaged a late draw against rivals Vipers before the international break.
They will be aiming to bounce back when they travel to newcomers Lugazi on November 30.
For NEC, the win symbolises their growing ambition in the league.
They host reigning champions SC Villa next on November 29, at the MTN Omondi Stadium, a venue they are increasingly becoming comfortable with.
