Matchday five of the Uganda Premier League witnessed NEC reclaim the number one position after a strong performance.
Following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Express in matchday four, the Diehards bounced back with a crucial 2-1 victory over Maroons at Lugogo, bringing their points total to 12.
The match started with an unfortunate own goal from NEC’s Jacob Okao, giving the visitors an early lead.
However, NEC responded effectively, equalizing with a penalty converted by Paul Mucuurezi, before Muzamiru Mutyaba secured the win with a decisive goal.
In other notable results, KCCA dropped valuable points in a goalless draw against UPDF, leaving them in second place with 11 points.
Vipers continued their resurgence following the departure of head coach Nikola Kovazovic, achieving a 2-0 victory over Wakiso Giants at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.
The win featured a penalty from Allan Okello and a goal from Milton Karisa, placing Vipers in third position with 10 points.
At Kakyeka Stadium, Mbarara City faced off against Kitara FC, resulting in a dramatic 1-1 draw.
Patrick Kaddu scored a last-minute equalizer to prevent Kitara from suffering their fourth consecutive defeat.
BUL finally broke their winless streak, defeating URA 1-0, with Pascal Ngobi scoring the decisive goal.
Meanwhile, defending champions SC Villa squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Bright Stars FC.
Villa initially took control with goals from Patrick Kakande and Charles Lwanga, but Bright Stars fought back in the second half with strikes from Paskali Oketcho and Mustapha Khasim.
The result left Villa fans frustrated, calling for the dismissal of interim head coach Morley Byekwaso.
Asaph Mwebaze’s return to Mbale Heroes as head coach yielded a point, as they played to a 1-1 draw against Lugazi.
Additionally, the exciting encounter between Police and Express ended in a 2-2 stalemate, with standout performances from Sam Ssenyonjo and Isaac Ogwang.
With NEC back at the top of the table, the competition continues to intensify as teams strive for supremacy in the Uganda Premier League.
Matchday Five Results
NEC 2-1 Maroons
KCCA 0-0 UPDF
Wakiso Giants 0-2 Vipers
Villa 2-2 Bright Stars
URA 0-1 BUL
Mbarara 1-1 Kitara
Police 2-2 Express
Lugazi 1-1 Mbale Heroes