NEC’s Mucureezi celebrating against Bright Stars. Photo by NEC FC Media.
NEC FC reclaimed the top spot in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League with a narrow 1-0 victory over Soltilo Bright Stars FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Wednesday.
A second-half penalty from Paul Mucureezi proved decisive with the forward calmly converting from the spot in the 74th minute after being fouled by Warren Buule. The goal marked Mucureezi's fifth of the season and lifted NEC to 26 points two clear of second-placed Vipers SC who have a game in hand and face BUL FC on Saturday.
NEC’s win was their eighth in 12 matches, the most in the league so far, reinforcing their status as strong contenders for the title. Goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo played a pivotal role saving Nelson Senkatuka’s penalty in the 42nd minute to keep the match level before Mucureezi's winner.
Ssebwalunyo's heroics earned him the Man of the Match award. For Soltillo Bright Stars, it was another blow to their survival hopes. The team remains bottom of the 16-team table with just six points from 12 matches, further deepening their relegation worries.
Elsewhere, UPDF FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Mbale Heroes at Bombo Military Barracks Grounds. Samuel Ssekamatte's first-half penalty gave the hosts the lead but Hillary Adiima's late equalizer ensured the Heroes left with a crucial point.
UPDF sit fifth on the table with 17 points from 12 matches, while Mbale Heroes remain second from bottom with nine points, just three ahead of Bright Stars.
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