NEC battled back to hold Vipers to a 1-1 draw in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League on Tuesday, with Warren Buule heading in a 75th minute equaliser at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende.
The defender’s goal cancelled an early strike from Milton Karisa as NEC stretched their unbeaten run and denied the hosts maximum points.
Vipers had taken control early when Karisa ran onto a through pass from Karim Watambala in the seventh minute and finished calmly.
NEC responded with attacking intent, forcing saves and making tactical adjustments before halftime, but the hosts held a 1-0 lead at the break despite sustained pressure and several half chances.
NEC improved after the restart with defensive reshuffles and attacking substitutions that shifted momentum.
Their persistence paid off when a well worked corner routine saw Joseph Dhata initiate the move before a precise delivery from Emmanuel Kulanga found Buule unmarked to power home the equaliser.
The visitors nearly snatched victory late on through Shamir Kimwero’s long range effort, while bookings on both sides reflected a tense finish.
The result keeps NEC competitive in the league race while frustrating table leaders Vipers, who could not capitalise on their early advantage.
