NEC FC made a strong statement on the opening weekend of the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season after defeating KCCA FC 2-0 at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Saturday.
Richard Basangwa gave NEC FC an early lead before Pius Obuya sealed the victory with a late strike, leaving KCCA FC to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses in their first league outing of the new campaign.
NEC struck as early as the fifth minute when Basangwa capitalised on an opening in the KCCA defence to put the visitors ahead.
The hosts responded with attacking pressure, but NEC goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo proved difficult to beat.
KCCA’s best chances of the opening half fell to Charles Lwanga. In the 25th minute, Brian Jjara delivered a high ball into the penalty area, with Lwanga controlling it before seeing his effort saved by Ssebwalunyo.
Lwanga came close again in the 36th minute after Ssebaduka beat his marker and delivered into the box. He combined with Shafik Kwikiriza, but their effort was blocked as NEC maintained their advantage.
KCCA also picked up two first-half bookings, with Jjara cautioned in the 15th minute and Kwikiriza receiving a yellow card shortly before halftime.
Coach Brian Ssenyondo made an early change after the break, bringing on teenager Ismail Fahad for the cautioned Kwikiriza in the 58th minute.
The game became increasingly physical, with NEC’s Enrique Lubwama booked in the 67th minute. KCCA then introduced Elvis Ngonde and Ibrahim Kasule in the 72nd minute as they searched for an equaliser.
Kasule nearly made an immediate impact when he set up Lwanga in the 78th minute, but the forward’s attempt went straight into the hands of Ssebwalunyo.
KCCA continued to push forward and made two more substitutions in the 85th minute, with Etienne Katenga and Ashraf Mugume replacing Saidi Mayanja and Jjara.
However, the hosts’ attacking commitment ultimately left them vulnerable at the back.
With KCCA committing players forward in stoppage time, NEC launched a swift counterattack. Pius Obuya found space and fired from distance to double the visitors’ advantage and put the result beyond doubt.
KCCA FC will now look to bounce back when they visit Express FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00pm EAT.
For NEC FC, the victory provides an ideal start to the new Premier League season and an early boost of confidence ahead of their next fixture against Lugazi on Tuesday, September 1st.
