Last year’s finalists, NEC Football Club put on a dazzling display of attacking football, crushing UCU 4-0 at Mbale City Stadium to secure their place in the Round of 32 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The visitors started the match with a high-octane approach, immediately putting pressure on the UCU defense. Jarieko had an early chance to break the deadlock but narrowly missed the target. Ajo soon found the net, but the goal was ruled offside.
NEC continued to dominate possession, with Kavuma’s powerful shot being saved by the UCU goalkeeper.
Jarieko continued to be a threat, winning a free-kick that Wahab delivered into the box, but the header went wide.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 30th minute. Ajo, following a brilliant team move, unleashed a precise shot that flew past the UCU keeper, giving NEC a well-deserved lead.
The floodgates opened shortly after. Wahab’s corner found Jarieko, who made no mistake this time, doubling NEC’s advantage.
Moments later, Mugalu added a third goal, leaving UCU stunned as the first half ended with a 3-0 scoreline.
NEC maintained their dominance in the second half, despite UCU’s attempts to regroup. Kawawulo’s corner kick led to a dangerous header from Bayiga, but the UCU keeper made a crucial save.
Substitutions brought fresh legs to the NEC attack, with Kulanga Emmanuel coming close to scoring. Okocha, Thembo, and Niwamanya injected new energy into the team.
Mugalu was forced off the field due to injury, but Ssebaggala seamlessly replaced him. The final nail in the coffin came in the 87th minute when Niwamanya Dickson scored NEC’s fourth goal from open play, sealing a resounding victory.
Having secured their place in the Round of 32, NEC will now await the draw to determine their next opponent in the competition.
