NEC snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mbarara City thanks to a stoppage-time winner from defender Jacob Okao, reigniting their Uganda Premier League title charge and sending a strong message to leaders Vipers SC with just a few games left in the season.
In a tense and emotional encounter at Kakyeeka Stadium, NEC looked poised to drop valuable points after Mbarara City clawed their way back into the match with a late equaliser.
But just when it seemed the spoils would be shared, Okao rose to the occasion deep into added time, converting a clutch effort to secure all three points for the visitors.
The match began in cautious fashion, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock in a goalless first half.
NEC returned from the interval with renewed intent, and their pressure paid off shortly after the restart when Allan Mugalu opened the scoring, finishing off a swift attacking move.
However, Mbarara City, who were desperate for points to aid their relegation battle, refused to fold.
In the 84th minute, Seiri Arigumaho latched onto a precise through ball from Jude Ahumuza and coolly slotted home the equaliser, seemingly rescuing a vital point for the hosts and punishing NEC’s missed chances.
But in a dramatic twist, Jacob Okao had the final say.
Pushing forward in a last-ditch offensive, the defender struck the winner in added time to seal a hard-earned victory for Hussein Mbalangu’s side; one that not only preserved their unbeaten record against Mbarara this season but also kept their title dreams alive.
The win lifts NEC to 57 points, narrowing the gap on table-toppers Vipers SC to just five, and reaffirming their status as serious contenders.
It also ends a frustrating run of poor away results and injects confidence ahead of their next fixture; a high-stakes showdown against third-placed BUL at the MTN Omondi Stadium on May 7.
For Mbarara City, the heartbreak continues. Though they showed improved fight and finally found the net after a prolonged goal drought, the result leaves them teetering dangerously close to the relegation zone with four games to go.
