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Uganda Cup

Police 0 NEC 2

NEC FC became the first team to reach the Stanbic Uganda Cup semi-finals after a convincing 2-0 victory over Police on Wednesday at Kavumba Recreation Grounds in Wakiso district.

Cromwell Rwothomio and Gadafi Wahab scored either side of half-time respectively in a match largely dominated by NEC.

Rwothomio's goal came just two minutes after kick-off, receiving a measured pass from Rashid Okocha before he chipped the onrushing Edward Kasibante in the Police goal.

He could have punished Police twice more in a half that saw NEC limit Police to half-chances.

Police were missing their reliable goal scorer Isaac Ogwang due to illness and his replacement Brian Obedi fluffed his lines on several occasions.

Police head coach Simon Peter Mugerwa made a couple of changes in the second half but it was Reagan Male whose introduction threatened to change the home side’s fortunes. 

Male who operates on the left wing as an inverted winger caused all sorts of problems for NEC defenders, something Obedi failed to do.

He was only unlucky not to have drawn his side level before Wahab converted an 83rd-minute penalty to make it 2-0 and put the game beyond Police's reach.

Mugerwa was not happy with referee Asadu Semere whom he accused of awarding what looked to him as a soft penalty that changed the game.

"We were unlucky to concede an early goal and we failed to respond quickly, then also some decisions by the referee, for me, they were not right especially that late penalty that changed everything," Mugerwa said.

"But that is gone, we are now going to put all our focus on securing promotion back to the Uganda Premier League," a disappointed Mugerwa said.

Mugerwa's side still leads the FUFA Big League table with a four-point cushion over Lugazi FC with seven games to end the season, with the top three teams automatically getting promoted to the Uganda Premier League. 

On the other hand, Hussein Mbalangu was unhappy that his side squandered several chances and warned that it is a dangerous trait his players need to cut out. 

"It has been a good game, we came here to win and we have won, mission accomplished, though my players play a lot with chances, which is very dangerous," he said.

"They need to utilise every chance we get to score and get as many goals as possible," noted Mbalangu.

The quarterfinals continue on Saturday with Pajule Lions hosting Pakwach Young Stars in Pader district while BUL and KCCA will meet at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

On Sunday, holders Vipers make the trip to Masindi to face Kitara in what is anticipated to be a blockbuster contest.