NEC FC shifts focus to Uganda Premier League title race after Uganda Cup exit

Following a surprising 2-0 defeat to FUFA Big League side Blacks Power in the Uganda Cup round of 32 at the Philip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Tuesday, NEC FC has turned its full attention to the Uganda Premier League title race.

The team is determined to chase down leaders Vipers SC and reclaim their momentum.

Currently second in the league standings with 37 points, NEC trails Vipers by just three points. They will host in-form Lugazi FC on Saturday at Lugogo, aiming to close the gap before Vipers face Mbarara City on Sunday at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

Lugogo has been a stronghold for NEC this season, with head coach Hussein Mbalangu once famously declaring it a "slaughtering ground" for visiting teams. Before the shock defeat to Blacks Power, NEC had played 10 home games, dropping points only once in a goalless draw against Police FC in November last year.

However, NEC is now looking to bounce back after a dip in form, having gone two matches without a win in all competitions. Prior to their Uganda Cup exit, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Police FC in Kavumba, a result that allowed Vipers to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Mbalangu has called for a significant improvement in performance against Lugazi, a team that defeated NEC 1-0 in their previous encounter at Lugazi Stadium in Najjembe, courtesy of a goal by Sam Ssemugugu.

“Lugogo remains a ‘slaughtering ground’ for visiting teams. Blacks Power may have escaped, but that doesn’t mean others will. Now that we are out of the Uganda Cup, our focus is entirely on the league. I expect a much sharper performance because we haven’t been at our best in recent games,” Mbalangu stated. The coach has a fully fit squad at his disposal for this crucial match.

On the other side, Lugazi FC has undergone a remarkable transformation under head coach Steven Bogere, who took charge in October last year. From being relegation contenders, Lugazi has become a competitive side, recording four wins, six draws, and only two losses in their last 12 league games. They currently sit 11th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

One of Lugazi’s standout players is Abdul Kalanzi, who has been in exceptional form, contributing seven goals and four assists in his last 12 appearances across all competitions. Earlier this week, his brace secured a 2-0 victory over Calvary FC, propelling Lugazi into the Uganda Cup round of 16.

Kalanzi will be a key player to watch as Lugazi aims to complete a league double over NEC in Saturday’s encounter. The match promises to be a thrilling contest as NEC seeks to reignite their title challenge, while Lugazi looks to continue their impressive resurgence under Bogere’s leadership.

Uganda Premier League

Saturday 

Kitara v URA, 4pm

Mbale v Police, 4pm

Bright Stars v BUL, 4pm

NEC v Lugazi, 7pm

Sunday

UPDF v SC Villa, 3pm

Maroons v KCCA, 3pm

Vipers v Mbarara City, 7pm