NEC continued their impressive run in the Startimes Uganda Premier League with a decisive 3-1 win over Express under the floodlights of the MTN Omondi Stadium on Thursday evening.
This milestone match marked NEC’s 50th league appearance since their promotion.
Goals from Muzamiru Mutyaba, Paul Mucureezi, and substitute Allan Mugalu secured the win for NEC, while a late strike from Conrad Ssenjogera provided a consolation for the visitors.
The action began early, with Mutyaba finding the net just three minutes into the game to give NEC an early advantage.
Express forward Samuel Ssenyonjo came close to an equalizer in the 17th minute, only to be denied by NEC’s returning goalkeeper Ssebwalunnyo.
A moment of brilliance came in the 24th minute when man of the match Kavuma delivered a pinpoint cross from the left wing, setting up Mucureezi to double NEC’s lead.
The pressure on the visitors intensified in the second half as Mucureezi turned provider for Mugalu, who made it 3-0 in the 55th minute.
Express managed to reduce the deficit in the 82nd minute when Ssenjogera found the back of the net, but it was too late to stage a comeback.
The victory propels NEC to 47 points, just two behind league leaders Vipers, who face SC Villa in Wankulukuku on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Express, with three consecutive losses, have slipped to seventh place with 28 points, their last win being a 4-1 triumph over Wakiso Giants on March 3.
