NEC head coach Hussein Mbalangu left the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo a visibly frustrated man—despite his side earning a 2-1 win over Kitara on Thursday evening in a match loaded with drama, controversy, and late heroics.
While the victory kept NEC firmly in the title race, Mbalangu’s post-match focus wasn’t on the three points—it was squarely on what he believes is poor and biased officiating that, in his words, is “protecting one club” in the race for the Uganda Premier League crown.
“I don’t care—let a team win through hard work, not by being supported. That’s not football,” he fumed. “I’m someone who is transparent and humble, but we need a fair game.”
His comments followed several contentious moments throughout the match, which NEC overcame despite playing the final 40 minutes with 10 men after Enock Ssebagala was sent off early in the second half for a second bookable offence—a decision Mbalangu strongly contested.
“They fouled Ssebagala first, but the referee didn’t call it. Instead, he reacts to the second challenge and sends him off. Is that fairness?”
NEC also had a strong penalty shout in the first half waved away after Ronald Otti appeared to handle the ball inside Kitara’s box.
In the second half, Kitara goalkeeper Chrispas Kusiima seemingly handled the ball outside the area—yet again, the referee let play continue.
“Go back and look at the incidents. The goalkeeper handles the ball outside the box—what kind of football is that?” Mbalangu questioned.
“People invest a lot of money into this sport. They deserve better than this.”
The NEC head coach didn’t hide his suspicions that rival club Vipers SC—who currently lead the table—is receiving favorable treatment.
“Who said that the trophy must be won by one club? I don’t care. Come what may, we will fight and we will win. I’m Hussein Mbalangu, and I don’t fear.”
Ironically, Mbalangu’s side had a slice of fortune themselves when the referee denied Kitara a penalty after Jacob Okal appeared to have handled the ball inside the box—adding more fuel to the game’s already controversial nature.
The game had kicked off at a blistering pace. Kitara took the lead in the 9th minute through Living Kabon, who finished neatly after an assist from Titus Ssematimba.
But NEC responded immediately—Muzamiru Mutyaba leveled the scores a minute later following a well-worked move led by captain Marvin Kavuma.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, NEC held firm and found their winner late on. Kavuma rose to the occasion in the 86th minute, heading in a pinpoint cross from Emmanuel Ajo to seal all three points.
The captain, on his 100th appearance for the club, also earned the Man of the Match award.
“These are the moments we live for,” Kavuma said after full-time. “It was a tough game, but I trust my teammates, and playing in front of our fans gives us that extra push.”
The Title Race Tightens
The result keeps NEC second on the table with 51 points from 23 matches, just one point behind leaders Vipers SC, who have played a game less (22 matches, 52 points).
Vipers visit Express FC on Friday, before a potential title-decider at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende against Vipers on Holy Thursday, April 17.
Kitara, meanwhile, remain fifth with 35 points from 23 games, and will look to bounce back at home when they host Lugazi FC on Tuesday, April 15.
