NEC FC continued their impressive start to the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League season with a commanding 3-1 victory over Lugazi FC at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Sunday.
The Diehards were forced to work patiently through a goalless first half before turning on the style after the break, scoring three times in a devastating 28-minute spell to seal successive victories under Badru Kaddu Mukasa.
Richard Basangwa opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box before calmly finding the back of the net.
Four minutes later, NEC doubled their advantage after a costly error by Lugazi goalkeeper Tonny Kyamera.
The custodian, who had earlier kept his side in the contest with several important interventions, surrendered possession under pressure, allowing Ronald Media to pounce and make it 2-0.
Media then completed a memorable afternoon in the 80th minute, squeezing his effort inside the near post to register his second goal and NEC’s third.
Lugazi found a late consolation through defender Richard Ayiko, who rose highest to head home in the 84th minute, but the goal did little to alter the outcome as NEC comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.
The result was built on NEC’s persistence after a first half in which the hosts dominated possession and territory without finding the decisive finish.
Enrique Lubwama came closest early on, beating two defenders with superb footwork in the 10th minute before dragging his effort wide from the edge of the area.
Pius Obuya also threatened in the 33rd minute, firing narrowly over the crossbar following another promising NEC move.
The hosts came closest to breaking the deadlock just before halftime when Hakim Wandera escaped his marker and delivered an inviting cross towards James Jarieko, only for Kyamera to produce an outstanding full-stretch save.
NEC’s second-half ruthlessness ultimately proved decisive, with Basangwa and Media punishing Lugazi’s defensive lapses to ensure Mbalangu’s men collected maximum points.
With six points from their opening two matches, NEC have made an early statement of intent as they pursue a strong campaign, while Lugazi will be left to address their defensive shortcomings after another demanding outing in the top flight.
