NEC kept their title hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kitara in a pulsating Uganda Premier League encounter played under the lights at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Friday evening.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions—an early flurry of goals, controversial refereeing decisions, a red card, and a captain’s heroic display capped off a dramatic night in Kampala.
The visitors made a statement early, breaking the deadlock in the 9th minute when Living Kabon calmly slotted home after a well-weighted assist from Titus Ssematimba.
But NEC responded immediately—veteran midfielder Muzamiru Mutyaba drew the hosts level just a minute later, finishing off a neat move started by skipper Marvin Kavuma.
The first half continued at a frantic pace, with both sides pushing forward.
The biggest talking point came in the 39th minute when Kitara defender Ronald Otti appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area, but referee Dick Okello waved away NEC’s penalty appeals—sparking frustration from the home crowd.
The game took a dramatic turn early in the second half when NEC midfielder Enock Ssebagala was shown a second yellow card in the 52nd minute, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
The decision, stemming from a seemingly soft challenge, was heavily contested by NEC’s technical bench, who argued that Ssebagala had been fouled in the build-up.
Despite being a man down, NEC showed immense resolve and tactical discipline.
Kitara piled on the pressure, but the hosts remained compact and dangerous on the counter.
In the 60th minute, controversy struck again—this time Kitara goalkeeper Chrispas Kusiima appeared to handle the ball outside the area, but the referee was unmoved, adding fuel to an already fiery contest.
With the game hanging in the balance, NEC’s moment of brilliance arrived in the 86th minute.
Captain Marvin Kavuma, marking his 100th appearance for the club, rose highest to meet Emmanuel Ajo’s delivery, heading home the winner and sending the home fans into a frenzy.
It was a dream night for Kavuma—an assist, a goal, and a Man of the Match performance on a milestone occasion.
“These are the moments we play for,” the skipper said after full-time. “It was a very tough game, but I believe in this team.
“Playing in front of our fans gives us extra strength, and tonight we showed character.”
Despite the win, NEC head coach Hussein Mbalangu did not hold back in his post-match reaction.
“We need fairness in football,” he ranted. “Go back and watch the incidents—the red card, the handball outside the area.”
“Is that the kind of officiating we want in our league? People invest heavily in this game, and we deserve better.”
The result sees NEC climb to 51 points, just one behind table-toppers Vipers SC, who have a game in hand.
The two sides are set to clash in what promises to be a title-deciding showdown at Kitende on Holy Thursday, April 17.
Meanwhile, Kitara remained fifth with 35 points from 23 games.
They’ll look to bounce back when they host Lugazi FC on Tuesday, April 15.
