By Geoffrey Mugabi
Paul Mucureezi celebrating – Photo credit: Sportslens
NEC FC has defeated SC Villa 2-1 on Friday evening at MTN-Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, taking them to the top of the table.
Paul Mucureezi and Cromwell Rwothomio scored the crucial goals for NEC FC, while Hakim Kiwanuka netted the only goal for the visitors.
In the first half, both teams maintained a cautious approach, avoiding conceding any goals.
Hakim Kiwanuka had the only notable attempt, but his shot sailed over the bar.
In the second half, Paul Mucureezi scored a stunning goal in the 55th minute.
He received the ball from Enock Ssebagala and sent a powerful shot from outside the box, finding the back of the net and putting the hosts in the lead.
Eleven minutes later, Hakim Kiwanuka had a chance to equalize, but the goalkeeper made a crucial save.
However, Kiwanuka equalized in the 71st minute, receiving a beautiful ball inside the box, controlling it, and smashing it past the goalkeeper.
With only four minutes left to play, striker Cromwell Rwothomio restored the lead for the hosts.
SC Villa’s defense failed to clear the ball from a corner kick, and Rwothomio volleyed the ball to make it 2-1.
At the final whistle, NEC FC emerged victorious.
The win takes NEC FC to the top of the table with 22 points, just two points ahead of Vipers SC in second place.
Matchday ten of the Startimes Uganda Premier League concludes on Sunday with two games: KCCA FC visiting Lugazi FC and Vipers SC hosting Kitara FC.
