Maroons FC and NEC FC played out a 1–1 draw in a tight Uganda Premier League clash at the Luzira Prisons Grounds, a match that simmered rather than sparked until a dramatic final quarter.
The opening half offered little in terms of attacking excitement, with both sides cancelling each other out in the midfield.
Early injuries to Daniel Shabene who was withdrawn in the 15th minute and goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo briefly disrupted the rhythm, but the game quickly returned to its cautious flow.
Despite Maroons enjoying slightly better possession, neither side produced a clear-cut chance before the break. The teams went into halftime deadlocked at 0–0.
The second half brought more urgency. Maroons’ goalkeeper Simon Tamale required treatment shortly after the restart following a clash with NEC’s Dhata Joseph, but he soldiered on.
Both coaches made several tactical substitutions as they chased the opener, and the match finally burst to life in the 75th minute when substitute Ivan Asaba fired Maroons into the lead after brilliant work from Mujahid Ogama.
But the hosts’ advantage lasted barely two minutes. NEC hit back quickly through Marvin Kavuma, who connected with a clever ball from Dhata Joseph to level matters at 1–1.
Both sides pushed for a late winner, and Maroons introduced Abel Eturude for fresh legs, but neither team could find a breakthrough in the four added minutes.
Really interesting game! It seemed like both teams were battling hard for every inch on the pitch.