NEC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Calvary in the Uganda Premier League at Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Charles Waibi netted the decisive goal, securing maximum points for the hosts in front of their home crowd.
Despite dominating possession, NEC struggled to break down a resilient Calvary side, who have been winless in seven games and are currently without a head coach.
The hosts’ attack was blunted, and they failed to impose their presence on the game, with Calvary soaking up the pressure.
NEC’s hopes were briefly dashed when Siraje Sentamu was stretchered off the pitch after a head collision, but Shamir Kimwero replaced him, and the team continued to push for a goal.
Calvary nearly took the lead in the 35th minute, but Ronald Olado’s effort was miscued, and the hosts survived a scare.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with NEC dominating possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances.
Calvary’s goalkeeper, Hadji Shukuru, made a crucial save to deny Innocent Media’s penalty kick, but Waibi eventually found the breakthrough in the 72nd minute, set up by Media.
The victory takes NEC to ninth position with nine points, while Calvary remains at the bottom of the log with a point from seven games.
The win is a much-needed boost for NEC, but they will need to improve their performance to move up the table.
