NEC FC return to Uganda Premier League action on Wednesday knowing that anything short of victory could end their slim title hopes. The second-placed side travels to Kakyeeka Stadium to take on relegation-threatened Mbarara City in one of five matchday 26 fixtures.
With just five games left in the season, NEC trail table leaders Vipers SC by eight points after the Venoms edged UPDF 1-0 on Tuesday to move to 62 points. Hussein Mbalangu’s charges, currently on 54 points, need maximum points to keep pace and ensure that their dream debut season doesn’t fizzle out late.
The stakes are equally high for hosts Mbarara City. Winless in their last eight outings, the Ankole Lions are only four points clear of the relegation zone and desperately need a positive result to ease pressure in the closing stretch.
In the headline evening fixture under the lights at Nakivubo, URA FC will aim to bounce back from a recent loss to Police when they welcome SC Villa. The Tax Collectors had been on a four-match winning run before the slip-up and are currently fourth on 42 points. Victory would tighten their grip on a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, seventh-placed SC Villa are looking to climb into the top five, currently tied on 37 points with sixth-placed Kitara FC. The Jogoos will be hoping Kitara falter at home against Wakiso Giants to boost their leap.
Kitara, who recently held Villa to a goalless draw, will be eyeing a return to winning ways when they host Wakiso Giants at Royal Park Butema. Despite sitting 14th with 19 points, Wakiso still have a chance to survive and will be battling hard against a Royals side that’s gone three games without a win.
Elsewhere, Mbale Heroes, rock bottom with 10 points, host Maroons in Mbale, searching for just their third win of the season. And in Kavumba, 15th-placed Soltilo Bright Stars will look to revive their survival hopes when they face off with a mid-table Express FC side.
