NEC head coach Hussein Mbalangu has called on his players to be more clinical in front of goal ahead of their StarTimes Uganda Premier League encounter against Kitara tonight at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
Reflecting on their recent goalless draw against UPDF, Mbalangu expressed frustration at his side’s failure to convert chances, urging his forwards to rise to the occasion against a resurgent Kitara side.
“We don’t want to flop like we did in the previous game against UPDF,” Mbalangu said. “We created many chances but didn’t convert them, and no one takes you seriously if you don’t score goals. We want to do better in front of goal against Kitara.”
NEC head into the match in second place on the league table with 48 points, but face a tough challenge from fifth-placed Kitara, who come into the fixture high on confidence after a commanding 4-0 win over KCCA last week.
Mbalangu will be buoyed by the return of central defender Jacob Okao, who is back from suspension and expected to reinforce the backline.
However, the team will be without winger James Jarieko, who serves a suspension, while Kelvin Barni and Shamir Kimwero are ruled out due to injuries.
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 2-1 win for NEC, but Kitara have shown significant improvement under coach Wasswa Bbosa and are keen to narrow the gap on the top three.
