NEC FC continued their impressive run in the Uganda Premier League with a convincing 2-0 victory over Lugazi at Lugazi Stadium on Friday, thanks to a second-half brace from Samuel Ssekamatte.
The hosts began the match brightly, pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough and testing NEC’s defensive line. However, the visitors remained organised at the back and gradually settled into the contest, absorbing the early pressure from the home side.
Lugazi nearly created a promising opportunity midway through the first half when Alfred Leku picked out Alvin Birungi with a well-weighted pass as the midfielder surged forward. Despite the clever build-up, the move fizzled out as the final ball lacked the precision needed to trouble the NEC defence.
After the break, NEC introduced Ssekamatte from the bench, a move that quickly changed the rhythm of the game. The forward made an immediate impact in the 51st minute when he calmly finished off a move to give the visitors the lead and silence the home crowd.
NEC continued to control proceedings and their persistence paid off again in the 70th minute when Ssekamatte was brought down inside the penalty area. The referee had little hesitation in pointing to the spot.
The forward dusted himself off and confidently stepped up to take the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to secure his second goal of the night and effectively seal the victory for the visitors.
The win lifts NEC to seventh place on the league table with 30 points from 19 matches, further strengthening their push up the standings. Lugazi, meanwhile, remain in 11th position with 18 points after the defeat.
