NEC tightened their grip on the Uganda Premier League title chase with a 1-0 victory over KCCA at the MTN Omondi Stadium, completing a season double over their landlords.
A ninth-minute header from Enock Ssebagala sealed the win for NEC, who continue to assert dominance at the venue they rent.
The latest win underscores their formidable home record this season, as the side is still unbeaten with eight wins and a draw after nine games.
Ssebagala’s goal was a product of precise teamwork, as Paul Mucureezi beat his marker to find Geriga Atendele, whose delivery into the box allowed Ssebagala to power the ball past goalkeeper Mutwalib Mugolofa.
KCCA, struggling to respond, nearly found themselves two goals down moments later when Ssebagala teed up Muzamir Mutyaba, only for his effort to be saved. James Jarieko’s follow-up rattled the post, keeping the score at 1-0.
The hosts had a goal disallowed for offside in the 25th minute, and KCCA threatened through Yian Gatbel, whose effort was denied by NEC’s shot-stopper Rogers Ssebwalunyo.
A red card scare for Ssebwalunyo was overturned after consultation with the assistant referee, reducing the punishment to a yellow.
KCCA pressed hard in the second half but lacked the clinical edge to break through. Gatbel’s curled attempt went inches wide, while Bright Anukani’s late free-kick was comfortably collected by Ssebwalunyo.
For NEC, the win reinforced their dominance at the stadium, aligning with head coach Hussein Mbalangu’s earlier declaration: “We want to make this stadium a slaughtering place. Anyone who comes here must die here.”
After the final whistle, Mbalangu doubled down on his statement, saying, “It is called Slaughterhouse Stadium when NEC is playing and MTN Omondi Stadium when KCCA is playing.”
Having defeated KCCA by the same scoreline in the reverse fixture last November, NEC have now completed a double over KCCA at their own stadium.
With the victory, NEC moved to 36 points, just one behind league leaders Vipers SC.
KCCA remain fourth with 24 points and face a daunting clash against Vipers this Sunday. NEC, meanwhile, turn their focus to a visit to Police, determined to keep their title ambitions alive.
