*By John Kusolo*
Najjembe, October 30, 2024 – 4:00 PM
NEC FC's impressive journey in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) continues as they head to Najjembe for a vital Match Day 7 clash against Lugazi FC. With Vipers SC narrowly taking the league's top position after a 3-1 win against Mbarara City, NEC FC, currently sitting one point behind, is eager to leapfrog back into the top spot with a win against Lugazi.
NEC FC's head coach, Hussein Mbalangu, has called on his attacking talents to set the tone early, encouraging strikers Paul Mucureezi and Cromwell to pursue aggressive plays upfront. At the same time, midfield maestro Muzamiru Mutyaba will command the pace from midfield, seeking to create opportunities and control the game flow. Mbalangu's strategy aims to capture maximum points, which would allow NEC FC to reclaim first place and solidify their ambition to dominate the league standings this season.
This encounter marks the first time NEC FC and Lugazi FC will face each other in the top flight of Ugandan football. Previously, they met twice in the FUFA Big League, where both sides recorded one victory each, both winning on away grounds. NEC FC's prior visit to Najjembe saw them clinch a hard-fought 1-0 victory, a win that was instrumental in securing their promotion to the UPL. Lugazi FC, however, fell short of accumulating enough points for a similar promotion.
Newcomers to the UPL, Lugazi FC have experienced a challenging introduction, accumulating just five points from a possible 18 across their opening matches. Despite a slow start, the team has shown resilience, capturing draws against strong opponents like Vipers and Mbale Heroes. However, their three losses early in the season led to the departure of former head coach Sadic Ssempiji.
In an effort to stabilize the squad, Lugazi appointed Oliver Mbekeka on an interim basis, making her the first female coach to lead the team. Mbekeka’s brief tenure brought a much-needed morale boost, as Lugazi secured their first UPL victory with a 1-0 win over Express. Following this success, Lugazi has now appointed Steven Bogere as head coach on a one-year contract, with hopes that his leadership will enhance their performance and positioning.
This is the inaugural meeting between NEC FC and Lugazi FC in the UPL, though they have previously clashed in the FUFA Big League.
Out of two encounters, each team has won once away from home, with NEC’s 1-0 victory at Najjembe contributing to their historic promotion to the UPL.
Lugazi FC: They have scored only two goals and conceded six, struggling to find consistent form and sitting further down the table.
NEC FC: With 11 goals scored and only five conceded, NEC is firmly in second place with 15 points, 10 points ahead of Lugazi.
League Standings: NEC FC trails league leaders Vipers SC by just one point, making this match a pivotal opportunity to reclaim the summit.
As NEC FC enters their second UPL season, they have their sights set on a title challenge, driven by a robust squad and an organized tactical approach under Coach Mbalangu. Sitting comfortably in second place and with the confidence from a solid start, NEC FC is committed to maintaining momentum, understanding that each match is critical to their title hopes.
Lugazi FC's challenging start has not deterred their determination, especially after experiencing the boost from a recent win against Express. Coach Steven Bogere’s recent appointment has raised expectations, and the team aims to capitalize on their home advantage to turn the tide. This game will be another test for Lugazi FC’s resilience as they seek to adapt to the demands of the UPL.
The Najjembe crowd is set to witness an intense, fast-paced clash between a NEC FC side eager to regain their top position and a Lugazi FC team striving to improve their standings under new leadership. Mbalangu's NEC squad will look to assert their authority early, leveraging their experienced midfield and dynamic attack, while Lugazi FC, under Coach Bogere, will aim to counter NEC’s threat and build on their recent success.
This historic first UPL face-off between NEC FC and Lugazi FC promises to bring excitement and drama as both teams fight for critical points. For NEC FC, it's a chance to reclaim leadership and fortify their position as title contenders. For Lugazi FC, it’s an opportunity to signal their intent to compete and remain resilient in Uganda’s top football league.
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