By: Geoffrey Mugabi
NEC FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Soltilo Bright Stars in a Startimes Uganda Premier League clash on Wednesday, with Paul Mucureezi’s second-half penalty lifting them to the top of the table.
The match, played under the floodlights of MTN-Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, saw an early chance for NEC in the 11th minute, but Muzamir Mutyaba’s free-kick was cleared off the line and resulted in a corner kick.
The first half saw both teams have chances, with Bright Stars being awarded a penalty in the 39th minute when NEC’s Bayiga handled the ball in the box.
However, Bright Stars’ striker Nelson Senkatuka slipped while taking the spot-kick, allowing NEC goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo to make a brilliant save.
The decisive moment came in the final 18 minutes of the game, when NEC was awarded a penalty.
In-form Paul Mucureezi stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, scoring his fifth goal of the season and extending his streak to three consecutive games with a goal.
Hussein Mbalangu’s side held firm in the closing stages, defending their slim lead to secure all three points.
With the win, NEC leapfrogged Vipers SC to move to the top of the table with 26 points, two ahead of the Venoms.
Soltilo Bright Stars, however, remain at the bottom of the table with just six points from 12 matches.
Earlier in the day, UPDF FC and Mbale Heroes played out a 1-1 draw in Bombo. Samuel Ssekamate gave the hosts the lead, while Hilary Adima equalized for Mbale Heroes.
Matchday 12 of the Startimes Uganda Premier League continues on Thursday, with Lugazi FC hosting Mbarara City and Kitara FC traveling to face Maroons FC in Luzira.
