Richard Basangwa proved the difference under the Lugogo floodlights, firing NEC FC to a hard-fought 1–0 win over Maroons FC in the Startimes Uganda Premier League on Saturday evening.
The decisive moment arrived in the 32nd minute at MTN-Omondi Stadium, where Basangwa capped a fluid attacking move with a composed finish, rewarding NEC’s early dominance and setting the tone for the remainder of the contest.
Despite Maroons’ attempts to claw their way back after the interval, clear-cut opportunities remained scarce.
NEC, organised and resolute at the back, absorbed the pressure with maturity, ensuring their slender advantage remained intact through to the final whistle.
The result underlines the growing solidity of the Badru Kaddu-coached side, who have now recorded nine consecutive clean sheets across all competitions while maintaining their unbeaten league run in 2026.
Victory lifts NEC to sixth place on 40 points, level with Entebbe UPPC but trailing on head-to-head record, as the race for the upper positions intensifies.
Maroons, meanwhile, sit ninth with 29 points, still within reach of a top-eight finish that would secure qualification for next season’s FUFA Super 8.
Attention now turns to the next round of fixtures, with NEC set to visit Express FC, while Maroons face a testing trip to Mbarara City on 21 April.
