On the 20th of February 2024, NEC Football Club showcased class at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, defeating Acholi United Football Club 5-1 in a Stanbic Bank Uganda Cup match.
Joseph Dhata stole the spotlight by netting a hat trick, contributing significantly to NEC’s commanding victory and securing his claim to the coveted “Zakayo” match ball.
The hosts, NEC, demonstrated superior control from the start, taking advantage of the unfamiliar artificial surface that seemed to trouble Acholi United throughout the game.
Dhata’s powerful shot in the 13th minute set the tone for NEC’s dominance, with subsequent goals from Gaddafi Wahabu and Captain Marvin Kavuma securing a comfortable 4-0 lead at halftime.
Despite Acholi’s Otim David scoring a consolation goal in the second half, NEC’s lead remained unchallenged, and Joseph Dhata completed his hat trick in the 70th minute, being the first player to walk away with a match ball, the famous Zakayo, helping his team seal the 5-1 victory.
With this impressive win, NEC Football Club advances to the round of 16, eagerly anticipating their next opponent determined by a draw.
