KCCA FC 2-1 NEC FC – MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo

KCCA FC returned to the highest of the Uganda Premier League desk after edging NEC FC 2–1 in a carefully contested Lugogo derby performed below the floodlights on the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

A late purpose from Saidi Mayanja proved decisive, lifting the 13-time champions to 23 factors, three clear on the summit. NEC, who confirmed resilience all through the competition, remained ninth on 11 factors.

KCCA made a vibrant begin and took the lead within the fourth minute by way of Mayanja, who completed off a flowing attacking transfer to provide the hosts an early benefit. The opening exchanges have been intense, with KCCA goalkeeper Anthony Emojong requiring early medical consideration following a problem.

NEC step by step settled into the match and started to use stress, forcing KCCA to defend in numbers as the primary half progressed. The sport was disrupted by a number of harm stoppages, and NEC goalkeeper Samson Kirya produced an impressive save to disclaim KCCA a second purpose, protecting the rating at 1–0 on the interval.

The guests responded positively after the break. Substitute Titus Ssematimba equalised within the 51st minute with a composed end, shifting momentum in NEC’s favour. Nevertheless, his contribution was short-lived. After receiving a yellow card for pulling Emmanuel Anyama’s jersey, Ssematimba was despatched off moments later for a reckless problem on Lazaro Bwambale, leaving NEC to play the rest of the match with ten males.

KCCA have been additionally lowered to 10 males within the 73rd minute when Anyama was proven a straight purple card for a late sort out on Ibrahim Musa, establishing a tense last part of the encounter.

Each side made substitutions in quest of management and a profitable purpose, with KCCA introducing Umaru Lutalo and Alex Yiga so as to add attacking impetus. The breakthrough got here within the 87th minute when Yiga drove down the flank and delivered a low cross into the world, which Mayanja transformed for his second purpose of the evening. NEC’s Musa misplaced possession within the buildup, and KCCA capitalised.

The outcome strengthens KCCA’s place on the prime of the desk, whereas NEC have been left to rue missed alternatives and lapses in self-discipline in a fiercely fought derby encounter.