BUL move five points clear after 2-1 win over NEC

BUL moved five points clear at the top of the Uganda Premier League (UPL) standings with 19 points from seven matches after defeating title rivals NEC FC 2-1 at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Wednesday, handing the Bugolobi-based side their first defeat of the campaign.

Ronald Odoi gave BUL the lead in the first half before Swabir Mpasa struck the decisive goal in the second period to seal the victory and extend their impressive start to the season.

The result lifted BUL further clear at the summit, while NEC dropped to third place with 14 points after suffering their first loss in seven matches.

The two sides went into the encounter separated by just two points, having remained unbeaten in their opening six matches.

With both teams eyeing top spot, Wednesday's clash was expected to provide an early indication of their title credentials.

BUL made a bright start and took the lead in the 13th minute through Odoi, putting the hosts on the back foot as they sought a response.

NEC returned from the break with greater urgency and drew level through Marvin Oshaba, who punished BUL's defensive lapse early in the second half.

Tony Atukunda was afforded too much space to advance before picking out Oshaba, who finished clinically to restore parity and give the visitors renewed hope.

However, BUL regained the advantage in the 67th minute through Mpasa, who had been introduced just two minutes earlier.

Joseph Daniel Bartholomew provided the assist, setting up the substitute to make an immediate impact.

BUL, however, remained organised at the back to protect their lead and secure a sixth victory in seven matches.

Elsewhere, Express and Lugazi settled for a goalless draw at Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe.

Attention now shifts to Thursday's action, with record 17-time champions SC Villa hosting Mbarara City at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

Villa have 14 points from six matches and will be seeking victory to close the gap on leaders BUL. They remain unbeaten, having dropped points only once in a 1-1 draw against Kitara on the opening day.

The Jogoos have since beaten Express 2-0 and newcomers Kigezi HomeBoyz 3-0, keeping clean sheets in both matches.

They will look to Frank Ssebuufu, Patrick Kakande, Ibrahim Kasinde and Jonah Asiimwe to maintain their attacking momentum.

The quartet each scored and provided an assist in Villa's emphatic 6-1 victory over Police last week, with Ssebuufu netting twice.

Kakande leads Villa's scoring charts with three goals in six matches, while Kasinde, Asiimwe, Najib Yiga and Andrew Otim have also contributed to the team's strong performances.

Villa will also draw confidence from last season's meetings with Mbarara, scoring nine goals across the two encounters.

Mbarara will arrive encouraged by their first win of the campaign, a 2-1 triumph over Blacks Power last week.

The Ankole Lions have one victory from five matches, having also drawn goalless with NEC and Entebbe UPPC before suffering 1-0 defeats against Police and Ntugasaze.

They face a difficult assignment against an unbeaten Villa side eager to keep pace with the leaders.

Uganda Premier League

Results

BUL 2 NEC 1

Lugazi 0 Express 0

Thursday, 4pm

SC Villa v Mbarara

Kigezi v UPPC

At 8pm

KCCA v UPDF

Friday

Vipers v Police