James Odoch’s first outing as NEC interim coach failed to produce the spark his side desperately needed, as Entebbe UPPC edged them 1-0 in a tightly contested fixture at Bugonga on Saturday.
In a game defined by fine margins, Samuel Junior Kawawa proved the difference with a well-taken finish on the hour mark, connecting perfectly with a precise Gift Odong delivery to seal all three points for the hosts.
While Entebbe celebrated a second win of the campaign — one that catapulted them into the top four with seven points — NEC were left ruing another wasted opportunity to turn their season around.
The Bugolobi-based side, missing suspended head coach Hussein Mbalangu, had hoped for a change in fortunes under Odoch, but their struggles in front of goal and defensive lapses persisted.
After blowing a two-goal lead to draw with Police in their previous outing, NEC again looked short of composure and belief, extending their winless start to four games. They now languish 13th on the 16-team log with just two points.
Entebbe UPPC will host defending champions Vipers next on November 1, while Odoch’s search for his first win continues away to Mbarara City next weekend.
