NEC FC vs. Mbarara City FC: A Clash of Aspirations at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo

By John Kusolo

NEC FC is set to host Mbarara City FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, in a highly anticipated StarTimes Uganda Premier League encounter on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at 7 PM.

The match presents an exciting showdown as NEC FC looks to maintain pressure on table leaders Vipers SC, while Mbarara City seeks to overturn their recent slump in form.

NEC FC’s Momentum and Objectives

NEC FC comes into this fixture on the back of an unbeaten home record at Lugogo in the league this season. Currently sitting second on the table with 27 points, the team is four points behind leaders Vipers SC, who secured a narrow 1-0 victory over UPDF FC on Friday. A win for NEC would narrow the gap to just one point, keeping their title ambitions alive.

Head coach Hussein Mbalangu, facing his former club Mbarara City, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure maximum points. “We want to win and keep our chances of being competitive alive,” he emphasized. NEC's impressive home record and recent performances position them as favorites for this match.

NEC FC will heavily rely on the experience and skill of winger Paul Mucureezi, a former Mbarara City player. Mucureezi has been in fine form recently and will be keen to make a mark against his former side. Additionally, forwards Cromwell Rwothomio and Enock Ssebagala are expected to provide attacking firepower for the hosts.

NEC will also draw confidence from their dominance over Mbarara City last season, having won both home and away fixtures. A repeat performance would further consolidate their position as strong title contenders.

On the other hand, Mbarara City FC, coached by Livingstone Mbabazi, is enduring a challenging phase. The Ankole Lions are winless in their last four league matches and have struggled to perform away from home. Despite these setbacks, they remain determined to turn their fortunes around.

Forwards Henry Kitegenyi, Arigumaho Seiri, and Joseph Akandwanaho will be crucial for Mbarara City if they are to upset NEC’s stronghold. Coach Mbabazi will be counting on their offensive prowess to break through NEC’s resolute defense.

With both teams having contrasting objectives, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For NEC, victory is crucial to keep pace with Vipers SC and sustain their title aspirations. For Mbarara City, a positive result could reignite their campaign and restore confidence in the squad.

The game promises an electrifying atmosphere at MTN Omondi Stadium, as fans of both teams gather to witness what is expected to be a thrilling contest.

NEC FC’s Strengths: An unbeaten home record, a solid attack led by Mucureezi, Rwothomio, and Ssebagala, and the tactical acumen of coach Hussein Mbalangu.

Mbarara City’s Opportunities: The potential of Kitegenyi, Seiri, and Akandwanaho to exploit counterattacks and NEC’s possible overcommitment in attack.

Prediction: NEC enters the game as favorites, but Mbarara City’s determination could make this a tightly contested encounter.

As the lights come on at Lugogo, fans can expect a spectacle filled with drama, skill, and the passion that defines the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. All eyes will be on NEC FC as they strive to close the gap at the top, while Mbarara City looks to rekindle their spark and pull off an upset.