Richard Basangwa shines as NEC humble URA

Richard Basangwa scored twice as NEC FC came from behind to thrash URA FC 4-1 on Tuesday at Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, moving to second place in the Uganda Premier League (UPL) with 10 points from four games.

Basangwa’s brace took his tally to four goals in four matches this season, having previously scored once in NEC’s victories over KCCA FC and Lugazi FC.

URA stunned NEC by taking the lead in the opening minute when Isma Mugulusi punished a defensive lapse. NEC’s defenders failed to deal with Mikidadi Ssenyonga’s delivery into the box, allowing Mugulusi to put the visitors ahead.

The early setback did little to unsettle NEC, who quickly settled into their rhythm and began controlling possession while creating chances.

Their persistence paid off in the 14th minute when Emmanuel Ajo capitalised on a mistake by URA defender Innocent Kisolo before setting up James Jarieko, who calmly finished to level the score.

NEC continued to dominate and eventually completed the turnaround three minutes before half-time. Basangwa received a well-weighted pass from Henrique Lubwama and made no mistake, punishing another defensive error by URA to put NEC 2-1 ahead.

Lubwama then doubled NEC’s advantage two minutes later, tapping in the rebound after Ajo’s effort had struck the crossbar to give the hosts a 3-1 lead at the break.

Five minutes after the restart, Basangwa completed his brace and NEC’s fourth goal after once again being picked out by Lubwama with a fine pass.

The defeat was URA’s second of the season after their 1-0 loss to SC Villa. Their only victory so far came on the opening day when they beat Maroons 2-1.

Elsewhere, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Aslam Ssemakula and Andrew Otim were on target as SC Villa cruised to a 3-0 victory over newcomers Kigezi Home Boyz at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

The victory lifted Villa to third place with 10 points from four matches.

At the FUFA Technical Centre, BUL FC maintained their perfect start to the season after coming from behind to defeat Blacks Power FC 2-1.

Oscar Otim gave Blacks Power the lead in the 20th minute, but Lawrence Olaboro restored parity for BUL in the 38th minute.

Simon Achidi then completed BUL’s comeback in the 58th minute, scoring what proved to be the winning goal.

The result gave BUL a fourth consecutive victory and kept them top of the table with 12 points.

Tuesday Results

NEC 4 URA 1

SC Villa 3 Kigezi 0

BUL 2 Blacks Power 1

Wednesday

KCCA v Kataka

Mbarara v UPPC

Lugazi v Police

Thursday

Express v Kitara

UPDF v Maroons

Saturday

Vipers v Ntugasaze